Exclusive screening of documentary on Indiana’s youth mental health crisis available

This fall, Riley Children’s Foundation and Riley Children’s Health are hosting exclusive free screenings of the new documentary “Racing to Respond” in communities around Indiana, including one on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus Oct. 25. Screenings also are planned for Fort Wayne and South Bend, offering Purdue Fort Wayne and Purdue Northwest employees an opportunity to attend in their areas.

“Racing to Respond” follows two Hoosier families who have personally experienced the youth mental health crisis in Indiana and are motivated to help educate other parents and advocate for greater safety and efficacy in youth mental health care. The documentary features interviews with experts, educators and community members about the crisis and multifactorial cause with the common thread that we must all work together to advocate for a better system and support Hoosier children.

The screenings include both an opportunity to be one of the first to see the film, as well as an evening of conversation designed to create greater awareness of the pediatric mental health crisis in Indiana and equip attendees with practical steps to become advocates. Youth mental health experts, business and community leaders, and families will participate in a panel discussion at the conclusion of each screening to expand and localize the topic.

All screenings are free, but attendees must register for their preferred screening location ahead of time at rileykids.org/racing-to-respond.

Dates/locations of upcoming screenings:    

• Monday, Oct. 23: Bloomington, Indiana University Cinema 
• Wednesday, Oct. 25: West Lafayette, Loeb Playhouse
• Monday, Oct. 30: Fort Wayne, Grand Wayne Convention Center
• Wednesday, Nov. 1: South Bend, Century Center  
• Monday, Nov. 20: Indianapolis, Gainbridge Fieldhouse

The documentary and the resources below all support the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program.

To assist faculty and staff

Review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including behavioral health resources for all Purdue campuses and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique in-network mental health providers serving at various locations within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan. 

Office of the Dean of Students:

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Reporting a Student Concern or Issue

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS):

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus — a free, virtual support group on campus
• Thriving Campus — service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• TAO — web and app-based mental health resource