The University of Windsor’s approach to support the mental health needs of its campus community will be held up as a model in a presentation this week to the “Healthy Minds, Healthy Campuses” online summit.

Co-hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research at the University of Victoria, the event brings together a community of practice to promote mental wellness and healthier relationships with substances within post-secondary institutions in British Columbia.

Lancer Recreation assistant fitness and sport conditioning co-ordinator Mike McMahon will speak Tuesday on the topic of “Showing Up: Maintaining Positive Work Culture in Times of Change through Mental Health Initiatives.”

“The University of Windsor strives to embed mental health awareness across campus through multiple methods, from our one of kind It Matters that You’re Here suicide prevention campaign to the many ways we create deep social bonds through physical activity options across campus,” McMahon says.

“The goal is to create a built environment that supports the mental health needs of all individuals that attend campus.”

He emphasizes the importance of support from senior leadership and promises to help attendees identify opportunities to integrate mental health programming at their own institutions.