September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the importance of connection, awareness and support in our communities. Being a member of VU’s Community of Care means noticing when someone might need help and taking action with compassion. Whether online, on campus or in the greater Nashville area, we all share the responsibility of fostering a safe and welcoming environment. Asking important questions and connecting others to resources helps prevent harm and ensures that every member of our community feels seen, supported and valued.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training, offered through the Student Care Network and developed by the QPR Institute, equips students, faculty and staff with the skills to recognize warning signs of suicide and respond safely. You don’t need all the answers—just the courage to ask, listen and connect someone to support. Taking this 120-minute training could give you the skills to help someone in a critical moment. Faculty, staff and student leaders can request QPR trainings through the Student Care Network Outreach Request Form. 
Encourage someone to use these resources, and if you notice a student struggling, you can submit a Student of Concern form to connect them with professional support.
Immediate Help is Available:
- UCC Urgent Care: Students can call 615-322-2571 and speak with a counselor on call (press option 1)
- Crisis Text Line: Speak with a crisis counselor (24/7) by texting VANDY to 741741
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
- Project Safe 24-Hour Crisis/Support Hotline: 615-322-7233
- VUPD: If there is an emergency on campus, call the Vanderbilt University Police Department at 615-421-1911
- Local Police Department: Call 911
- Emergency Room: If you or someone you know needs immediate medical assistance, please go to the nearest emergency room. The closest one to campus is the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Emergency Room, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232.
Asking a question, noticing changes and connecting someone to support make a real difference. Each of us has the power to create a safe, caring and supportive Vanderbilt community. Every connection matters. Every action counts.
*Students eligible for SCN services are those who have been assessed and paid the student health fee.
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You at VU
At Vanderbilt, fostering a deep sense of belonging for every community member is a core value. You at VU encompasses campus resources to help members of the Vanderbilt community to be well, grow and thrive physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and professionally. The You at VU portal is a one-stop spot where students, staff and faculty can find ways to connect with others, engage across campus and find well-being support and resources. Each person who is part of our campus shares one commonality: You belong here. For more information, visit vanderbilt.edu/youatvu.
