Mental Health Screenings officially combined for years to come

By Sophia Blankmeyer 

After a successful week, the screening for alcohol, depression and anxiety will combine together for the coming years for students at Utah State University.

The decision to combine the screenings was made on April 14. Previously, the screenings have been during different semesters. The three individual screenings were never combined before, and never included on-site counselors. 

“We want a general mental health screening for both semesters from now on,” said Ryan Barfuss, a prevention specialist at USU. 

The screening was held at the Taggart Student Center on April 5. The testing lasted four hours and students were able to go for themselves or support others.

"I went to the event and it was really helpful because I suffer from depression and anxiety," said Anna Godfrey, a student at Utah State. "I think if they did it every year and advertised better, it would help more students."

The screenings were taking place at the same time as the Hope wall, just right outside the TSC. Students took polaroid pictures and wrote who made them hopeful. 

"I saw way more advertising towards the hope wall than the screenings. I think the screenings are far more important than a picture on a board for a day," Kaylee Hansen, a student, said.

The screenings will continue and will be combined for the next consecutive 4 years, until further notice.

"I'm excited to see where this goes," said Sarah Price, a freshman. "I am hopeful it will pick up and as a senior I can say I was involved every year."

"This is incredible news moving forward for USU students," said Ryker Moore, a student. "Everyone deserves an opportunity to be treated for the things they struggle most with."