St. Bonaventure University Receives $496,892 Grant for Student Wellness Programs

St. Bonaventure University has secured a four-year federal grant of $496,892 aimed at enhancing mental health services, substance use prevention, and suicide prevention among students. This funding comes through the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant program managed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The initiative, named BonaWell: A Campus Initiative for Connection, Wellness, and Prevention, will supplement the support offered by the newly established Center for Student Wellbeing.

The Center, located on the second floor of the Reilly Center, integrates Health Services and Counseling Services, facilitating easier access to coordinated medical and mental health support. BonaWell is designed to expand prevention, education, and early intervention initiatives across the university.

This grant aligns with Pillar 1 of the university’s strategic plan, Rooted in Mission, Focused on the Future, which emphasizes enhancing mental health services and holistic support for student success. Koriann Bollhorst, a health educator at the university, noted that the grant is a significant acknowledgment of St. Bonaventure’s dedication to student well-being, mentioning that it supports ongoing efforts and resources needed to help students thrive.

BonaWell builds upon previous work funded by a three-year SAMHSA grant awarded in 2023, which led to the launch of Bona's HEALS initiative, aimed at providing education and mental health support. The new program will offer wellness coaching, confidential behavioral health screenings, peer-led outreach, and comprehensive prevention training, with the goal of reaching around 3,000 students annually.

A key feature of BonaWell will be the establishment of a Wellness Ambassador program, recruiting and training 20 students to promote mental health literacy and resource awareness. The initiative will also introduce a strengths-based wellness coaching program to help students improve their stress management and coping skills.

Director of Counseling Services, Nick Kicior, emphasized that the new center and BonaWell will ensure easier access to care and early identification of student needs. Additionally, four university employees will be trained as certified QPR Gatekeeper instructors, and QPR suicide prevention along with Mental Health First Aid training will be provided throughout the project.

In response to rising demand for counseling, particularly regarding stress management, and the need for low-barrier services, BonaWell aims to create an inclusive support environment. A multidisciplinary Student Wellbeing Committee will oversee the project's implementation, data review, and collaboration with community partners, ensuring the sustainability of effective programs beyond the grant period.