Murray State launched a student-ran mental health initiative called the Green Bandana Project that aims to assist students in getting the help they need.
The University recently increased mental health resources on campus with the Murray State Quality Enhancement Program: MSU Matter, Racers Care. This mental health initiative introduced TimelyCare, a telehealth counseling option that is accessible 24/7 for any student that may experience a mental health crisis outside of business hours. The Green Bandana Project began this spring and provides opportunities for students to help one another.
The Green Bandana Project originated at the University of Wisconsin River-Falls in 2014. Betsy Gerbec, professor emeritus, began the program after she lost her son to suicide. In honor of her son, the project’s symbol is a green bandana. Through the bandana, students can identify mental health advocates on campus.
The project grew to the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 2016 and was later expanded by Suicide Awareness Voices of Education in 2022. Murray State introduced the project during a quarterly Board of Regents meeting in 2024 and recently completed its first two training sessions.
Angie Trzepacz, director of counseling services, said the training is not limited to groups and organizations.
“Any student who is interested in mental health and wants to be a resource to support and encourage other students could benefit from participating in this program,” she said. “All students are welcome. If you are part of a student group or club, we can provide the training to the group during one of your regular meetings.”
Students who are interested in becoming a mental health advocate are required to participate in a 90-minute interactive training session. During the session, students will learn how to identify students who may be dealing with mental health issues and how to assist them in their situation. After completing the training, students will be given a green bandana, pins and stickers to wear to let other students know they are a Green Bandana Project member.
While students are trained to assist those dealing with mental health crises, they are not trained to diagnose and provide treatment. The training involves raising public awareness of what the green bandana means and educating peers about resources.
Members of the Psychology Club and Psi Chi recently completed the training. Kyle Nelson, psychology club executive member, said she believes everyone has something to offer.
“(The Green Bandana Project) means an opportunity for students to take on active roles in reducing the stigma around mental health struggles, support the community and help be ambassadors for compassion,” Nelson said. “I believe we all have something to offer, and this program helps give us a better toolkit to meet people where they are, or help them approach us if they’re in need.”
The Green Bandana Project greatly enhances the mental health resources available on campus, Nelson said
“The Green Bandana Project enriches the quality and level of accessibility of mental health resources on campus,” she said. “When someone is struggling, trying to figure out even one more thing can be overwhelming—we hope having peers to turn to makes that one more thing seem like a small hop and not a grand leap. We also hope that we can help break down perceived barriers to care such as accessibility, affordability and availability.”
The Green Bandana Project has been adopted by over 50 schools across 22 states, and 75% of members reported that they feel comfortable talking to someone dealing with a mental health crisis, according to The Green Bandana Project program page.
If you are interested in becoming a member, email msu.counselingcenter@murraystate.edu to schedule an appointment for training. If your student organization or club is interested, contact the Counseling Center to schedule a training session during one of the organization’s regular meetings.
