Riverside City College Receives Second Year of Suicide Prevention Grant from SAMHSA

Riverside City College (RCC) is proud to announce the continuation of its suicide prevention efforts with the award of a second-year grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Through the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, RCC’s Health and Psychological Services will receive $102,000 in funding for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

This funding is part of a three-year grant totaling $306,000, which will support the college’s initiatives to address mental health needs and provide vital services to students. Managed by SAMHSA’s Suicide Prevention Branch within the Center for Mental Health Services, the grant enables RCC to enhance its mental health support systems and implement programs aimed at suicide prevention and mental health intervention.

Dr. Renee Martin-Thornton, Director of Student Health and Psychological Services at RCC, shared her thoughts on the grant, stating, “This grant is an invaluable resource for ensuring that our students receive the mental health support they need to succeed. With this funding, we are able to expand our services and provide care to those facing mental health challenges, furthering our commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for all of our students.”

The grant funding will help expand and enhance mental health services for students, providing them with resources, counseling, and interventions designed to support their emotional and psychological health. The funding also helps RCC continue its ongoing efforts to create a safe and supportive campus environment for all students.

SAMHSA is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, dedicated to reducing the impact of substance abuse and mental illness in American communities. Its mission is to improve the quality and availability of treatment and rehabilitative services. For more information about SAMHSA and its programs, visit SAMHSA.gov.