Public Health

Public Health at DU

DU Students, Faculty & Staff are the core of the University. The Public Health Office incorporates a holistic approach in developing and supporting programs and initiatives designed to promote the health of the DU community, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive. Weaving physical and emotional health ideals into the fabric of DU strengthens the foundation of learning, working, and playing, and contributes to a thriving university.  

Established in 2022, DU’s Public Health Office operates under the auspices of the Office of Enterprise Risk Management. Monitoring health concerns locally, nationally, and globally is only part of what we do. We also focus on the well-being of the DU community, working across departments to establish resources for the community.  

View 2023 Updates

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

Take this opportunity to nurture your own mental health through self-care.  Self-care means setting aside time to do things which nurture your mind and body and strengthen your mental health. Although it is good to do this all year, we sometimes forget that we need to look after ourselves to better serve others. Mental Health Awareness month is a good reminder to stop and check-in with yourself, nourish your mind, body, and soul; allow some time for you. Below are DU events happening in May as well as many free national resources, such as podcasts, webinars, and self-paced courses about happiness, well-being, and supporting family or friends with mental health illnesses. 

DU Events for Mental Health Awareness Month

Wednesday, May 1, 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Getting Grounded

Celebrate May Day and Kick off Mental Health Awareness Month- Join us on the Campus Green (between Sturm Hall and the School of Law) for yoga, meditation, and a showcase of mental health resources available at DU to recharge your battery.

Wednesday, May 8, 10:00 – 2:00 pm

DU Employee Benefits Fair

Benefit vendors including Kaiser Permanente and Cigna will be available in person to provide information and answer your questions. Bring your laptop and learn more about the mental health services available through DU’s Employee Assistance Program, through Cigna, and through Kaiser.

Tuesday, May 14, 8:30 – 5:00 pm

Mental Health First Aid class  To sign up email Austin.Gane@du.edu

Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.  

Mondays and Tuesdays throughout Spring Quarter, 1:00 – 1:30 pm

Mindfulness Sessions with Michelle Jestice, certified yoga instructor

Sturm Hall, CAHSS Student Lounge, open to faculty, staff, and students

Monday, May 27, 5:00 – 6:00 pm

Carillon Concert

Featuring Joey Brink, award winning performer and composer.

William Carillon, Ritche Center Lawn

Other Free Resources Available

The Happiness Lab Podcast with Yale Professor, Dr. Laurie Santos

Dr. Santos will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you thing about happiness.

The Science of Well-Being, Instructor Laurie Santos, Yale University

This is the most popular class in Yale University’s history and they wanted to open it up to everyone, free of charge! This 10-module, 19-hour course is available online for you to complete at your own pace. The goal of the course is to prepare you to successfully incorporate a specific wellness activity into your life. You will gain skills in gratitude, happiness, meditation, and savoring. Upon completion you will receive a sharable certificate to add to your LinkedIn profile.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Basics:

A free, six-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. Colorado does not have a NAMI affiliate and does not offer in person classes; however, you may sign up for NAMI Basics OnDemand for free.

Hope Starts with Us NAMI Podcasts:

NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. brings important mental health topics to light, one conversation at a time. Hope starts with us sharing our stories. Hope starts with us breaking the stigma. Hope starts with us sharing resources and practical advice. If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition and are looking for hope, this podcast is for you.

You are Not Alone: Voices of Recovery:

Based on the USA Today national bestseller “You are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health,” by NAMI Chief Medical Officer Ken Duckworth, M.D., this series draws from among more than 1000 interviews conducted by Dr. Duckworth for the book, showcasing real people sharing authentic stories of their mental health journeys.

NAMI’s Ask the Expert: Professionals, advocates and other NAMI experts answer your questions about mental health.