RUOK? Veterans

RUOK? Veterans uses an anonymous interactive screening program designed to identify military-connected students who may be at risk of suicide. Made available through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, it starts with an anonymous and confidential online stress and depression questionnaire that is evaluated by an OSUSPP doctoral student who is a licensed professional counselor (Army veteran Tomas Guzman currently serves in this role). Completing the survey provides a chance to discuss anything causing distress. Through a portal that ensures anonymous communication, participants receive a personalized written response with specific resources. They are then invited to communicate with the GTA online to ask questions and to discuss concerns about treatment and available resources. Throughout the entire process anonymity and confidentiality is maintained unless the military-connected student opts to identify themselves. Additionally, despite our name, we work with all military-connected students which include active duty, national guard, reserve, veterans, and military family members.  

We believe that this partnership is enhancing the mental health of OSU’s Military-Connected students by establishing trusting relationships that can offer specific campus resources unique to each respondent’s current situation.  

If you have questions or concerns about getting involved with the RUOK? Veterans program please email us at ruokveterans@osu.edu.