BATON ROUGE, LA — The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi today announced the six semifinalists for the 2022 Excellence in Innovation Award. The $100,000 award, given once per biennium, will recognize an institution for achievement in finding powerful answers to important local, regional, national or global challenges.

The semifinalists were chosen from a large pool of applicants representing multifaceted projects at colleges and universities across the nation. The six semifinalists were selected based on the project’s ability to achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes to create systemic large-scale change.

The six semifinalist institutions are:

• Ball State University
• Boise State University
• Longwood University
• Pittsburg State University
• University of Colorado Colorado Springs
• University of North Georgia

“Since 2016 the Phi Kappa Phi Excellence in Innovation Award has showcased remarkable innovations at higher education institutions across the country. This year’s semifinalists are adding to this tradition of academic excellence and demonstrate a deep commitment to engaging their community of scholars in service to others,” said Society Executive Director and CEO Bradley Newcomer. “Phi Kappa Phi is proud to recognize and support these institutions and their faculty and staff as they work to improve their campus and local communities.”

Three finalists for the award will be announced in April. The recipient institution will receive $100,000 in tangible recognition of its best practice in response to the changes and challenges facing higher education in the 21st century. The award will be presented at the Society’s biennial convention on Aug. 5 in Orlando, Florida.

Since 1932, Phi Kappa Phi has awarded fellowships and grants to members and students on its chapter campuses. Currently, more than $1 million is awarded annually through programs that last year recognized over 425 individuals. The Excellence in Innovation Award, first awarded in 2016 is the Society’s only award for institutions.

For more information about the award, visit www.phikappaphi.org/innovation.

###

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 325 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is “To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and engage the community of scholars in service to others.” For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Alyssa Papa
Communications Director
apapa@phikappaphi.org
(225) 923-7777

Transitioning to college is a pivotal milestone for young adult students, and access to mental health support is crucial.

This article is the third in a three-part series sponsored by Alkermes, Inc. focused on supporting adult students and their community as they navigate mental health concerns. Check out parts 1 & 2 in this series for potential ways to access support throughout the transition to college and recognize some symptoms of mental illness.

As college students hit the books in the fall, health professionals are busy monitoring growing mental health issues in young adults.¹ Since the pandemic began, there has been a rise in mental health issues in young adults age 18 to 24 years old, according to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2020.²

Another report from the Student Experience in the Research University Consortium found that, of 30,725 undergraduate students screened at nine research universities from May to July 2020, about one third had a serious mental illness.³

While these numbers are concerning, there’s a hopeful message for college students facing a mental health diagnosis: you are not alone. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 75% of mental illnesses develop by age 24. It’s important to understand that a mental health condition is not your fault, and that help is available. In fact, the earlier people seek and attain help, the better.⁴

Early detection of mental health conditions is associated with more positive outcomes. In fact, according to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), accessing support early on may also lessen long-term disability risks while preventing undue years of suffering.⁵ This makes it so important to find support for mental health as soon as needed, especially for college students.

If you or a friend are facing a mental health diagnosis, here are some things you may want to consider:

• Find healthcare providers you trust. Healthcare professionals you trust and who understand your situation can help you navigate your diagnosis and treatment journey.⁶

• Remember, you are not alone. There is an entire community of professionals, advocates and individuals living with mental illness who can help.⁷ There are many places to get started—consider looking into resources from Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or The Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance, among others.

• Do what is most helpful to you. Living with a mental illness is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Whether you choose support groups, community resources, psychotherapy, medication or a combination, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to choose the treatment options that work for you and your unique experience.⁸

• Keep going. It’s important to remember that getting appropriate care early can improve long-term mental health outcomes.⁵

To recap, whether you’re working to support your own mental health or helping to support a friend or family member, remember the importance of seeking help as soon as possible and taking advantage of available resources. If you are concerned, consider reaching out to a trusted medical professional in your area or accessing resources such as mental illness screening tools, tools for locating treatment providers and other educational materials.

Click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2 of this series, which provide more information on the challenges associated with transitioning to college, how that transition may impact a student’s mental health or signs that might indicate it’s time to seek support.

This is intended as informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Alkermes does not endorse and is not affiliated with the organizations listed in this article.

References

¹ Anderson G. Mental Health Needs Rise With Pandemic. Inside Higher Education. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/09/11/students-great-need-mental-health-support-during-pandemic. Published September 11, 2020. Accessed January 3, 2022.

² Amour M. Suicidal ideation on the rise for college-aged adults due to COVID-19 pandemic. Suicidal ideation on the rise for college-aged adults due to COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/08/17/suicidal-ideation-rise-college-aged-adults-due-covid-19-pandemic. Published August 17, 2020. Accessed January 3, 2022.

³ Anderson G. Students reporting depression and anxiety at higher rates. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/08/19/students-reporting-depression-and-anxiety-higher-rates. Published August 19, 2020. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁴ Teens & Young Adults. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Young-Adults. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁵ Mental Health Screening. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Advocacy/Policy-Priorities/Improving-Health/Mental-Health-Screening. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁶ Finding a Mental Health Professional. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Individuals-with-Mental-Illness/Finding-a-Mental-Health-Professional. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁷ Mental Health Treatments. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁸ Mental Health Treatments. Mental Health America. https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-treatments. Accessed January 3, 2022.

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ©2022 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved.

UNB-003322

Media Contact
Dede McKelvy
Finn Partners
(860) 806-4358
Dede.McKelvy@finnpartners.com

COVID-19 surges around the world are leading to new travel restrictions and uncertainty about travel. Cities, states and countries continue to change their travel requirements. But what hasn’t changed is the desire to take a break from school and have a fun spring break.

With spring break right around the corner, and many people looking to finalize their travel plans, Quest Diagnostics, the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, is offering travel tips to help you have a safer spring break during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evaluate Travel Risk

There are multiple factors to consider when evaluating where to travel for spring break. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides an exhaustive list of travel destinations around the world and ranks them from Level 1 (Low Risk) to Level 4 (Very High Risk). The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to popular spring break destinations such as Mexico, Jamaica and the Bahamas, which are currently at Level 4. Pick a destination with low COVID-19 positivity and transmission rates when possible.

Choose Your Travel Companions Wisely

If you plan to travel to visit friends or family members, you may be tempted to hold a big gathering. However, when planning a party or other event, keep in mind that when large numbers of people get together, especially indoors or without the use of masks and social distancing, risk increases. Vaccination can significantly, but doesn’t completely, reduce this risk. Socializing with the same people during your trip to avoid mixing with others who may have an unknown COVID-19 status is another important safety measure.

You may also want to talk with your travel companions to ensure you share similar attitudes about safety measures, like vaccination and masking.

“It can be awkward, but don’t be afraid to ask, ‘what are your thoughts about how to be safe amid COVID-19 during our trip?’” said Jeffrey Dlott, MD, Medical Director, QuestDirect. “Otherwise, you may end up traveling with someone whose ideas and behaviors conflict with yours, causing undue tension and stress when both of you just want to relax and have fun.”

Test Before You Leave

Testing is a good way to understand your COVID-19 status before traveling to a destination and potentially getting sick or spreading the virus to others. Self-directed testing through services such as QuestDirect, from Quest Diagnostics provide options for molecular (PCR/NAAT) and rapid antigen testing. It is important to check requirements for your destination as some may require a specific type of test.

Understand Your Testing Requirements to Return Home

Proctored COVID-19 is required for some travel, including international travelers coming to the U.S., according to CDC guidelines. Unlike most at-home COVID-19 tests, proctored testing involves a telehealth visit in which a healthcare professional guides you in collecting a specimen and reads the results virtually, which enables you to receive a certified report. Quest offers a proctored at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen test proctored observation from anywhere in the world. This is available for purchase on QuestDirect™, the company’s self-directed testing platform. Individuals will receive a lab report that may be used for international travel and for return to work or school programs.

Don’t forget the basics

While it can be easy to brush off safety measures on any vacation, masking (preferably with an N95 or KN95 mask), frequent hand washing and social distancing, especially when indoors, continue to be important tools for reducing risk to yourself and others. Most of all, if you haven’t been vaccinated, doing so well before your trip is the best way to protect yourself and others.

Whether you long to see loved ones or dip your toes in the ocean, using your best judgement and taking basic precautions will help you stay safe – and have a good time.

About Our Commitment to Consumer Empowered Health

Quest Diagnostics has long been at the forefront of the movement for consumer empowerment in healthcare. Our QuestDirect™ self-directed test platform provides dozens of tests for conditions ranging from heart health to sexually transmitted diseases. We were among the first diagnostic information services providers to offer free access to test results online and through other channels.

About Quest Diagnostics

Quest Diagnostics empowers people to take action to improve health outcomes. Derived from the world’s largest database of clinical lab results, our diagnostic insights reveal new avenues to identify and treat disease, inspire healthy behaviors, and improve health care management. Quest annually serves one in three adult Americans and half the physicians and hospitals in the United States, and our nearly 50,000 employees understand that, in the right hands and with the right context, our diagnostic insights can inspire actions that transform lives. www.QuestDiagnostics.com

• This product has not been FDA cleared or approved; but has been authorized by FDA under an EUA;
• This product has been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS- CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens; and,
• This product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner.

###

CHICAGO, IL. (February 17, 2022) – The HITEC Foundation Scholarship Program, an annual initiative to enable the next generation of Hispanic/Latinx technology talent through financial assistance to attend college, is currently open and accepting applications for the 2022-23 academic year.

Through the program, HITEC Foundation will award $5,000 scholarships to students pursing a degree in a technology at an accredited, non-profit college/university or vocational/technical school in the United States. HITEC Scholars also gain access to internship and mentorship opportunities provided by the Foundation.

In 2021, the Foundation distributed $170,000 in scholarships to 34 students, including Isabel Gallegos.

“Being selected as a HITEC Scholar is an immense honor,” said Gallegos, a computer science major at Stanford University. “This award is meaningful in so many ways – not only does it provide me with significant financial support, allowing me to focus on my academics and research, but the recognition as a HITEC Scholar provides me the confidence and assurance to continue to pursue important challenges in science, engineering, and technology that will change our society in significant and meaningful ways.”

This competitive program is open to graduating high school seniors or current undergraduate/graduate students of Hispanic/Latinx heritage who are majoring in Technology or a related discipline with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents or eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

The deadline to apply for the 2022-23 academic year is March 7, 2022. For more information and to begin the application process, visit https://hitecglobal.org/mpage/HITECFoundationSchoO.

The HITEC Foundation Scholarship Program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services Inc., an independent company that specializes in managing sponsored educational assistance programs.

###

About HITEC Foundation
Shaping the technology of tomorrow begins with cultivating the leadership potential of today’s young talent. In order to increase Hispanic representation in the technology industry, the HITEC Foundation supports students across the United States. Retaining these Hispanic students through the technical leadership pipeline requires continuous financial support, access to internship opportunities and inspirational mentoring. Our corporate partners invest their resources because they not only believe in these young technologist potential, but also depend on their talent to innovate advanced solutions. The generous support of like-minded partners and individuals enables the HITEC Foundation to deliver programs that have a great impact on our community.

Media Contact
Carissa Miller
ISTS Director of Marketing
cmiller@applyISTS.com

Annual scholarships program is now open to students pursuing a culinary education

NEW YORK, NY (February 14, 2022) – The James Beard Foundation announces that its 2022-2023 scholarships—an annual program aimed at supporting aspiring culinary students, future restaurateurs, researchers, and more—will be accepting applications starting tomorrow, February 15^th, 2022. This year, the Scholarship Program will award more than $464,000 to recipients.

Established in 1991, the Scholarship Program assists aspiring and established culinary professionals who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school or hospitality institution, college, or university. Since then, the program has not only grown in visibility and financial scope, but in the array of subjects its recipients have embraced. As of 2022, the Foundation will have awarded nearly $9 million in financial aid to over 2,000 recipients, thanks in part to new partnerships with Mondelēz and Caviar.

“The James Beard Foundation is committed to supporting the innovative and driven culinary industry leaders of tomorrow,” said Anne E. McBride, PhD, vice president of Programs at the James Beard Foundation. “We’re proud to encourage and advance up-and-coming talent by providing funding and scholarship opportunities that will enrich their impact and dedication to the food industry.”

Award amounts range from $2,000 to $20,000, and eligibility requirements vary by opportunity. Applicants, generally, must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a program at a licensed or accredited culinary school, hospitality institution, college, or university in fall 2022. International students may also qualify for many of the scholarships and are encouraged to apply.

This year, the James Beard Foundation will offer three basic types of Awards in the categories of culinary and pastry arts, wine studies, and food systems. The types of awards are as follows:

• Scholarships: cash grants applied to tuition and on a case-by-case basis, other school-related expenses
• Tuition Waivers: tuition waivers granted by educational institutions, which are renewable in some cases
• Work Study Grants: grants for working culinary professionals that cover expenses from programs offering experiential learning at farms, fisheries, wineries, and other venues of food production, under the auspices of the Jean-Louis Palladin Professional Work/Study program

Below is a selection of scholarships the James Beard Foundation will be offering for the 2022-2023 year:

• Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship

◦ The Debbie Lewis Women in Wine Scholarship honors the life of Debbie Lewis. Debbie had a lifelong passion for mastering the business of wine and set an inspiring example of dedication and hard work to all those around Up to one [1] scholarship of $5,000 will be granted.

• The JBF Caviar Chefs of Tomorrow Scholarship Fund

◦ The JBF Caviar Chefs of Tomorrow Scholarship Fund was established in partnership with Caviar with the mission to increase diversity in the premium restaurant industry and aims to support BIPOC individuals who reside in the United States who are planning to pursue culinary or pastry training at an accredited institution. Up to two [2] scholarships of $20,000 will be

• The JBF Mondelēz International Scholarship Fund for Equity in Leadership

◦ The JBF Mondelēz International Scholarship Fund for Equity in Leadership is open to Women-Identifying and BIPOC individuals who are planning to enroll, or are currently enrolled, at an accredited institution, focusing on culinary arts, pastry and baking, culinary science, or food business, and who reside in the United States. Up to three [3] scholarships of $10,000 will be

• The JBF National Scholars Scholarship

◦ JBF’s National Scholars Program, which launched in 2016, provides ten high-impact scholarships of $20,000 each to food-focused candidates of exceptional talent. Candidates for the ten [10] National Scholarships are selected according to academic merit, as well as personal and professional recommendations. To ensure regional diversity of this national program, one awardee will be selected from each of the ten geographic regions defined by the James Beard Foundation Awards. The program awards $20,000 scholarships to ten [10] candidates from across the U.S., who demonstrate the potential for leadership roles in culinary arts, food studies, agriculture, hospitality management, and related

Previous recipients of James Beard Foundation Scholarships are eligible to apply again, and interested applicants are eligible to apply for more than one scholarship. There is no application fee required.

The Scholarship Program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS), an independent company that specializes in managing sponsored educational assistance programs. ISTS hosts the online application process, selects and disburses awards to recipients. The James Beard Foundation’s Scholarship Selection Committee reviews the semifinalists, and approximately 40 recipients are selected. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2022.

For more information about the program and to begin the application process, visit jamesbeard.org/scholarships.

About the James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Foundation celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. Established over 30 years ago, the Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives and is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities. By amplifying new voices, celebrating those leading the way, and supporting those on the path to do so, the Foundation is working to create a more equitable and sustainable future — what we call Good Food for Good™. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the James Beard Foundation launched the Open for Good campaign to ensure that independent restaurants not only survive, but that the industry is able to rebuild stronger than before. For more information, subscribe to the digital newsletter Beard Bites and follow @beardfoundation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Clubhouse. The James Beard Foundation is a national not-for-profit 501c(3) organization based in New York City.

Contact:
Wagstaff Media & Marketing
Brianna Sachs | Ashley Kunofsky
561.504.7715 | 925.784.1788
brianna@wagstaffmktg.com | amiller@wagstaffmktg.com

Transitioning to college is a pivotal milestone for young adult students, and access to mental health support is crucial.

This is the second in a three-part series sponsored by Alkermes, Inc. exploring mental health support for adult college students and their communities.

Watch for part 3 of this series coming later this semester and refer back to part 1 for the complete series!

College is a season of new beginnings, with new environments, freedoms and possibilities. On top of expected college stressors, the pandemic has created a new environment with unexpected and unprecedented obstacles that may pose new challenges for students.^1,2,3

In addition to this already stressful season, the college years may coincide with the onset of a mental health condition. In fact, according to a 2021 global report from the World Health Organization, 75% of lifetime mental health disorders begin prior to the age of 24, which is the time that many young adults are making the transition to college.⁴

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions experienced by college students receiving mental health services, according to the 2020 Annual Report of the Center for Collegiate Mental Health.⁵ In a separate online questionnaire of 2,031 U.S. students conducted in 2020, approximately 80% of 1,994 completed responses showed some level of depression, and 72% of 2,014 completed responses showed some level of anxiety. Common challenges identified by students as contributing to their mental health issues included the fear of the pandemic outbreak and risk of infection, changes in sleep patterns, trouble concentrating and pandemic-related barriers to maintaining social connections.¹

The same stressful circumstances that result in anxiety can also place students at risk for serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.^1,6,7 And, unfortunately, only a small number of students with mental health conditions obtain treatment, which can make the journey to health and wellness even more challenging.^4,6

Here are some simple mental health strategies to consider during the transition to college:

• Start talking. Maintain relationships and open lines of communication with loved ones. Connection is essential to health and well-being.^8,9

• Create positive habits. From staying organized to prioritizing sleep, eating healthy food to staying physically active, positive habits support mental health. Remember: small changes may make a big difference.⁸

• Normalize the experience. Remind yourself that challenges are common, and transitions such as starting or returning to college are often difficult. Bumps in the road are easier to deal with when you accept them as normal parts of the process.^6,9

• Access resources on campus. Consider beginning by accessing resources on campus: mental health resources available on campus may be able to help with everyday concerns and could be a good place to start if a student has concerns about developing a mental health problem⁹

• Speak to a doctor. Primary care physicians or on-campus clinics can be a great place to start. If they can’t provide the support themselves, they can suggest helpful resources.^8,9

The college transition is challenging in any year, and the pandemic has added to the stress. It’s important for students to remember that experiencing mental health challenges or being diagnosed with a mental health condition is common during this time of life.⁶

If you are experiencing mental health challenges personally or are concerned about a friend or loved one due to differences in behavior, consider seeking the guidance of a trusted healthcare professional. The following resources are also good starting points for more information: The Schizophrenia & Psychosis Action Alliance, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Mental Health America (MHA).

Up next in this 3-part series, we will look at common behaviors and symptoms of mental health conditions that commonly arise during the college years. Part 3 will highlight the importance of early intervention and discuss sources of support post-diagnosis.

This is intended as informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Alkermes does not endorse and is not affiliated with the organizations listed above.

References

¹ Wang X, Hegde S, Son C, Keller B, Smith A, Sasangohar F. Investigating mental health of US college students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional survey study. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2020;22(9). doi:10.2196/22817

² Anderson G. Mental health support systems for coping with pandemic. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/03/31/mental-health-support-systems-coping-pandemic. Published March 31, 2020. Accessed January 3, 2022.

³ Active Minds. COVID-19 IMPACT ON COLLEGE STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH.; 2020. https://www.activeminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Student-Survey-Infographic.pdf. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁴ WMH-ICS Initiative. The WHO World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) Initiative. The World Mental Health. https://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/wmh/college_student_survey.php. Published 2021. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁵ Penn State University. Center for Collegiate Mental Health 2020 Annual Report. Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH). https://ccmh.psu.edu/assets/docs/2020%20CCMH%20Annual%20Report.pdf. Published 2020. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁶ Pedrelli P, Nyer M, Yeung A, Zulauf C, Wilens T. College Students: Mental Health Problems and Treatment Considerations. Acad Psychiatry. 2015;39(5):503–511. doi:10.1007/s40596-014-0205-9

⁷ Blanco C, Okuda M, Wright C, Hasin DS, Grant BF, Liu SM, Olfson M. Mental health of college students and their non-college-attending peers: results from the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008 Dec;65(12):1429-37. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.65.12.1429

⁸ National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Depression/Support. Published August 2017. Accessed January 3, 2022.

⁹ Managing a Mental Health Condition in College. National Alliance on Mental Illness. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Teens-Young-Adults/Managing-a-Mental-Health-Condition-in-College. Accessed January 3, 2022.

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ©2022 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved.

UNB-003321

Media Contact
Dede McKelvy
Finn Partners
(860) 806-4358
Dede.McKelvy@finnpartners.com

Educational curriculum was built with input from college students across the country

SMITHTOWN, N.Y., and FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (February 9, 2022) – A new online educational resource designed by and for students to help prevent the spread of Meningitis B on college campuses is now available. College students are 5+ times more likely to contract Meningitis B than non-college students[i] – making it particularly important for students to be informed about how to help prevent Meningitis B infection.

The new Meningitis B Student Hub was specifically designed for peer health educators and students with simple key messages to help explain the disease, educational materials for download, sample presentations and even inspirational podcasts from other peer health educators across the country. It also includes ideas for activating a Meningitis B education campaign on campus and suggestions for engaging student health centers and college administrators to advocate for better Meningitis B prevention measures on campus. The resource was developed with input from college students with support from the Meningitis B Action Project, an initiative by two mothers who each lost their college-aged daughters to Meningitis B.

“Alicia and I each lost our daughters, Kim and Emily, to Meningitis B, and we don’t want that to happen to anyone else,” said Registered Nurse Patti Wukovits, who is a Co-founder of the Meningitis B Action Project and Executive Director of the Kimberly Coffey Foundation. “We share our personal stories with students, parents, healthcare providers, and many others, but we also recognize that peer-to-peer education is an incredibly powerful tool. That’s why we wanted to create a resource to help students talk to other students about Meningitis B.”

Meningococcal meningitis is the most common type of bacterial meningitis among young adults. It can kill in less than 24 hours or lead to permanent complications like brain damage, hearing loss, learning disabilities, or even limb amputations. It affects all ages but is more common among 16-23-year-olds.[ii] 50+ college campuses have reported cases of meningococcal meningitis since 2013.[iii] Meningitis B accounts for 100% of all meningococcal meningitis outbreaks on college campuses in the U.S. since 2011.[iv] Two separate vaccines, MenACWY and MenB, are necessary to be fully immunized against meningococcal meningitis, yet few colleges currently require both vaccines. That is one reason why most adolescents and young adults have received the MenACWY vaccine, but few have received the MenB vaccine [v] largely due to lack of awareness of its availability.

“Our goal is to make sure that students have the information they need to help prevent Meningitis B,” said Alicia Stillman, Co-founder of the Meningitis B Action Project and Executive Director of the Emily Stillman Foundation. “You can’t act on what you don’t know. Many campuses are not educating students about Meningitis B and we felt it was critical to close this gap.”

To view the new Meningitis B curriculum, visit meningitisbactionproject.org/forcolleges.

About the Meningitis B Action Project
The Meningitis B Action Project is a joint initiative by two mothers who each lost their young, healthy daughters too soon to a now vaccine-preventable disease, Meningitis B. The project aims to increase awareness of Meningitis B on high school, college and university campuses and empower young adults and their parents with the information to proactively talk to their healthcare provider about Meningitis B and the vaccine available to help prevent it. Learn more at meningitisbactionproject.org.

Press Contact
Info@MeningitisBActionProject.org

[i] Gary S Marshall, Amanda F Dempsey, Amit Srivastava, Raul E Isturiz, US College Students Are at Increased Risk for Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease, Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Volume 9, Issue 2, June 2020, Pages 244–247, https://doi.org/10.1093/jpids/piz024
[ii] Age as a Risk Factor. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/risk-age.html
[iii] Meningitis B Cases Tracker, Meningitis B Action Project, https://meningitisbactionproject.org/menbtracker
[iv] Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC
[v] Elam-Evans LD, Yankey D, Singleton JA, et al. National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:1109–1116. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6933a1