Suffolk County Legislature Honors Two SBU Students

Left to right: SBU Director of Campus Recreation Jay Souza, SBU Police Officers Joseph Bica and Jared King; SBU Community Relations Director Joan Dickinson, SBU Health Educator/Chill Program Coordinator Kathleen (Kate) Valerio; Legislator Kara Hahn; Joseph Verderber and Emma Tulip; Legislator Tom Muratore; Legislator Steve Stern; Charles Tulip; and Brett Amione

Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore recognized Stony Brook University students Emma Tulip and Joseph Verderber for their efforts in raising awareness about mental health issues and suicide among veterans and active military personnel.

Emma — with support from the Student Health Advisory Committee and Chill Peer Educators — hosted 22 days of events at the University’s Walter J. Hawrys Campus Recreation Center through the “22 in 22” program. The name refers to the harsh fact that 22 veterans take their lives every day in the United States. Emma and other college students throughout the country are hoping to reverse that trend by creating better support services and increasing awareness.

A health science major and Chill peer educator, Emma first heard about “22 in 22” from SBU alum and Chill member Alexandria Imperato. Chill internships, offered by the Center for Prevention and Outreach, focus on mental health and wellness.

As Emma graduated from the Chill Peer Education Internship, newly enrolled intern and psychology major Joseph Verderber continued the challenge with “22 Today.” He has now combined “22 Today” with QPR (Question, Persuade and Refer) suicide awareness and intervention techniques. Joe organized QPR training for high school students, with support from Stony Brook’s Health Education Office and Counseling and Psychological Services.

Visit the 22 Today Facebook page.