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The Daily Aztec
News
Sept. 8 - 14, 2021 EDITOR: Katelynn Robinson • news@thedailyaztec.com
University confirms 96 COVID-19 cases by Lucelis Martinez STAFF WRITER
San Diego State released a universitywide email encouraging students to be mindful of COVID-19 during the Labor Day weekend. As of Sept. 7, the university has confirmed 96 COVID-19 cases on SDSU’s main campus, with at least 792 tests administered at the time of the Sept. 3 email release. The university has confirmed one COVID-19 case at the Imperial Valley campus. The email contained a message from a White House briefing, given by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warning people not to travel if they have not been vaccinated. “This fall, individual COVID-19 cases that are confirmed will be posted to the COVID-19 Dashboard and shared in the COVID-19 Weekly Digest,” the email said. Public health teams will inform and guide those who have been in close contact with those positive with COVID-19, according to the email. “If any individual close contacts are identified, a case management team
contacts each individual to provide them with information and direction, including any instructions for quarantine per U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance,” the email said. SDSU offers self-administered COVID-19 testing options via kiosks installed around campus, 24 hours a day for students and employees. “Faculty, staff, students and auxiliary employees with RedIDs may pick up a self administered COVID-19 test kit at the vending machines,” the email said. The tests are not the same as rapid at home tests. Results are available between one and three days later. The tests are $1 or students can follow the instructions on the kiosk to gain free test credit. The Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available at Student Health Services. As of Sept. 3, over 95.2% of SDSU students are vaccinated, according to the email. Additionally, the email mentioned the ongoing Aztec Nights Events. “These events are designed to provide an outdoor, social space for you to meet and celebrate with other students in a safe environment,” the email said.
Statue of Samuel T. Black, the first president of SDSU.
Photo by Amal Younis
2021 national suicide prevention week by Katelynn NEWS EDITOR
Robinson
Anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts are common mental health issues among young adults. Moving out, attending college and establishing a career are clearly major stressors. The pandemic is in no way lessening the stress of young adults venturing out into the world on their own. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10-34. “In May 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ED visits for suspected suicide attempts began to increase among adolescents aged 12–17 years, especially girls,” the CDC report said. “During February 21–March 20, 2021, suspected suicide attempt ED visits were 50.6% higher among girls aged 12–17 years than during the same period in 2019; among boys aged 12– 17 years, suspected suicide attempt ED visits increased 3.7%.” Needless to say, it is true when people say you are not alone. All this being said, resources and programs are available. The month of September is set aside to initiate openminded conversations and discuss potential solutions. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline website provides a list of coping mechanisms for living during the COVID-19 pandemic. The site recommends limiting media consumption and getting reliable health information for direct sources such as the CDC. San Diego State students have a variety of mental health services available. Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services offer mental health resources including counseling, therapy and workshops. Students who would like to speak with a therapist can call the
following phone number, 619-5945220, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a 15-minute consultation, according to the Counseling and Psychological Services website. A schedule of group therapy and workshops are available during the Fall 2021 semester. The sessions are designed for specific needs and individuals. Some of the programs listed are “Womxn of Color Empowerment Group, Living with Loss and Body Wisdom.” Additional workshops include mindfulness and mediation practices, targeted to improve sleep, academic performance and relaxation, according to the website. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255 is available 24 hours a day.
Photo by Sara Rott
Calpulli Student Health Center located on Hardy Avenue.
Graphic by Catlan Nguyen
