Dr. Christopher Holstege wears a lot of hats around the university. A toxicologist by training, he recently worked with UVA students and the local master naturalists to develop a guide to the poisonous flora and fauna in the Charlottesville area. He's also put this knowledge work, navigating the wilderness, as an avid trail runner. As director of Student Health and Wellness, he's interested in novel ideas that promote student well-being. And as a research physician, he and his team are frequently studying and publishing their research on the efficacy of their programs.
Listeners should know that this episode also discusses mental health and suicide.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health challenge, there are a lot of resources available. UVA students can get in touch with Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, online at:
https://www.studenthealth.virginia.edu/CAPS
UVA staff and faculty also have access to free mental health resources including counseling through the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program better known as FEAP.
https://uvafeap.com
Charlottesville area community members can also seek mental heath care at:
https://regionten.org
https://thewomensinitiative.org
https://www.cvillefreeclinic.org
Suicide & Crisis Hotline
Call 988 or Text 988
LGBT National Hotline
1-888-843-4564
Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860
National Alliance of Mental Illness HelpLine
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)