Friday, April 10, 2026
NAMI presence at WKU provides lifeline, reduces mental health stigma
Social Work Professor and NAMI Facilitator Jay Gabbard started the program nearly 10 years ago after a student suicide highlighted an absence of mental health services. (Gabriel Milby)
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published in volume 101, issue 5 of the Herald magazine. At WKU, students in a peer-led support group encourage one another to speak up about mental health challenges. The National Alliance on Mental Illness came to campus a decade ago after a student suicide prompted Social Work Professor and NAMI Facilitator Jay Gabbard and his colleague Deborah Weed to form the student support group. WKU’s NAMI chapter operates with oversight from the Bowling Green and state NAMI offices. Read more by Coumba Cisse