14808 - Canine Connections: Advocating for Student Relationships and Suicide Prevention with the Assistance of Therapy Dogs

Abstract: 

Canine Connections is a peer educator initiative on campus that utilizes therapy dogs to advocate for suicide prevention, to create social connections, and to raise awareness about available mental health resources. The presenters will provide relevant research that informed the creation of Canine Connections, an overview of the Canine Connections program, outcomes of the program, and next steps, including an overview of our current Peer Educator Social Connection Series.

Presenter(s): 

Lainey Horton - University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Kaitlyn Leverton - University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Sebastian Roche - University of North Carolina at Charlotte