The Green Bandana Project sees its second semester at Murray State, where it continues to provide mental health training to students and faculty.
Introduced to campus last spring by the Counseling Center and sponsored by Murray State’s Quality Enhancement Program, “MSU Matter: Racers Care,” the Green Bandana Project consists of a 90-minute training session educating participants about campus mental health resources, how to identify someone who may be struggling with mental health issues and how to properly assist them. Those who complete the training receive a green bandana to signify their participation in the project and their ability to help others.
“My hope is (that) in the future, Murray State’s campus will be covered with green bandanas,” said Letitia Usher, a trainer for the program. “Where many if not all students on campus will know how to access the Murray State mental health resources available, feel more comfortable reaching out to ask for help and offer help when they see someone struggling and be proactive in raising mental health awareness for others.”
While not much has changed about the program this semester, new facilitators have joined the project, where they present the training, guide conversations and connect students with resources.
“As an assistant professor in the department of computer science and information systems, I see every day how technology, especially AI, is reshaping the way we learn, work and even experience community,” Jason Owen said. “While these tools hold incredible promise, they also bring new pressures and challenges for students. That’s why projects like the Green Bandana Project are so important. They remind us that behind every innovation and every line of code, there are human beings whose well-being must come first.”
All Resident Advisers and First Year Leaders were required to complete the training. Some faculty on campus have also chosen to integrate the project into their courses, like Holly Bloodworth, an early childhood and elementary education instructor.
“When I heard about the Green Bandana Project, I thought it would be a great addition to my EDU 486 class,” Bloodworth said. “Teaching is about so much more than academics. The information gained from this program will help my students build classrooms where everyone feels safe, heard and supported. Teachers need to understand how to support their students’ mental health and know what community resources are available.”
Students in Bloodworth’s class said the training provided meaningful insight into the struggles many students face.
“The Green Bandana Project was such an impactful training that opened my eyes to the mental health struggles people go through every day. I walked away with a toolbox full of strategies to be a supportive advocate of mental health in the community,” said Chloe Mackey, a junior majoring in learning and behavior disorders in the elementary education track.
The next open training is 3-4:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 22, in the Tennessee Room of the Curris Center. The link for the sign-up can be found in Racer Nation Information newsletter
Anyone who is interested in participating in the Green Bandana Project is encouraged to contact the Counseling Center director, Angie Trzepacz, at [email protected] to get the process started.
