The University of South Florida has been made aware of the tragedy and I have currently been in contact with the Dean of Students, as well of others in the construction of the fencing around campus for the parking garages. While there have been some rebuttals to this notion going around, it is understood that the placement of fences around the parking garages will not completely deter those in crisis from resorting to the worst case scenario of taking their life. However, in this instance someone was in need of help and took the course of action in this specific manner, and taking the step in the right direction and making direction in hopes of change and awareness, is the first thing The University of South Florida needs to do in order to instill a sense of safety in the community. As well as parking garages, I am currently advocating for the proper connections with students for mental health resources on and off of campus, which I will also link below. If you are ever lead to a crisis, please know that you are loved and cared for deeply, as you were intended to be in this world for a purpose. Know that tomorrow is a new day, and that emotions will always come and go, and that time will heal your deepest sorrows. Please be kind and well, and hug a family member or friend today.Treat people with kindness, as you never truly know what someone is going through.
With hope and healing, Victoria.
Mental health resources:
On call Counseling: Call 727-873-4422 to speak to an on-call counselor.
Crisis Services: Outside of business hours, 24/7, including weekends and holidays, call CAPS All Hours at 855.531.0761 for support, crisis, and consultation (not scheduling); accepts international calls as well. (USF crisis services)
Campus Police: (727) 873-4444
Pinellas County Help Line: 211 or (727) 210-4211 (crisis counseling and community referrals)
Hillsborough County Crisis Hotline: (813) 234-1234
National Crisis Hotline: 1-800- SUICIDE
Suicide Hotline: (727) 791-3131
Winn Team: (727) 548-5733 (crisis referral for mental health and substance abuse)
Tampa Bay Thrives - Available 24/7
Tampa Bay Thrives is a nonprofit with a mission of mobilizing the community to strengthen behavioral health outcomes for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, with a focus on improving early intervention, access, and awareness.
Tampa Bay Thrives launched the "Let's Talk" support line, which provides free, confidential mental health support through 24/7 access to counselors on the phone. To speak to someone any time, call 844-YOU-OKAY (968-6529).
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)- Available 24/7: 1-800-662-HELP (4357),text message to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help nearby.