In February of 2024, USC Upstate partnered with a non-profit organization, Walt’s Waltz, to help end the stigma and become a Stigma-Free Environment.
Walt’s Waltz is an organization founded by Susan Crooks, after her son, Walt, died by suicide. The mission is to help spark conversations around all mental health issues, and end the stigma, because most mental health issues can be fully cured.
In the one year of partnership, the two organizations have been able to host meaningful events and spark a much-needed conversation.
In one year, Walt’s Waltz and USC Upstate have been able to accomplish the following:
- Upstate became the first university in America to be a Walt’s Waltz Stigma-Free Environment.
- Walt’s Waltz presented to art classes on campus while discussing Mental Health.
- The Upstate Library hosted a series of Mental Health Painting Workshops that allowed for students to have a stress reliever, but as well as a platform to discuss Mental Health issues.
- USC Upstate, Walt’s Waltz, PRISMA Health and the SAMHSA Grant provided free Mental Health First Aid Training to students, faculty, staff and the community. Over 100 people got certified to aid in a crisis.
- USC Upstate, Walt’s Waltz, and Counseling Services created a magnet that is proudly displayed all over campus. It has crisis phone numbers as well as QR codes to make an appointment with Counseling Services or rent a Mental Health Book from the Upstate Library.
The founder of Walt’s Waltz, Susan Crooks, said, “Each of our events on campus has deepened the impact of this partnership. Walking across campus and seeing Walt’s Waltz resources and Self-Care Tips reminds me of the power of a single spark and the dedication of a community united for change. This journey shows how much can be achieved when a group of passionate people come together with a shared mission.”
Crooks adds a quote by Margaret Mead in which she said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Viewers can follow Walt’s Waltz on Instagram @walts.waltz. They can follow Counseling Services @uscupstatecounseling, and the library @uscupstatelib.
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