Recently at UNC, a total of three deaths have happened on campus as a result of a failed battle with mental illness.The university is always telling its students to 'Go to CAPS' if they are suffering with harmful thoughts, but that is merely a blanket statement for such a strong issue. Many people have discussed how UNC Counseling and Psychological Services are incredibly under-funded and not able to do much except refer students to outside resources.

Currently, CAPS offers brief therapy sessions, but this does not seem to be enough as the latest news has shown. CAPS needs to offer long term-therapy options for those who need it, and they also need to have more funding to work with so that this can be done.

After suffering through the pandemic and all the events of 2020-2021 (racial justice issues, human rights issues, healthcare, etc,) it is safe to say that we are all struggling. Not to mention that college is already stressful enough, we could all use the extra care. The university needs to take better care of its students instead of sweeping the issues under the rug. One death was already one too many, and justice for our lost students needs to be obtained. This cannot happen again, and we have the power to make this change and prevent it from happening.

Please, sign the petition to tell the UNC Board of Governors and Administration that we need CAPS to have more funding so that they can do better by the students.

If you or someone you know are struggling with thoughts of self harm or suicide, please call 1-800-273-8255

OR visit online

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/