Pitzer Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation's leading nonprofit organization providing mental health awareness and education for young adults. We believe that by empowering young adults to speak openly about mental health, we can reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and prevent suicides.

Check out our podcast, Claremont Candid Conversations, where we conduct interviews with staff and students at the 5c’s regarding the importance of mental health and the work that can be done to improve it here at Pitzer. SPOTIFY LINK

About Active Minds

We are dedicated to saving lives and to building stronger families and communities. Through education, research, advocacy, and a focus on young adults ages 14 - 25, Active Minds is opening up the conversation about mental health and creating lasting change in the way mental health is talked about, cared for, and valued in the United States.

Active Minds was founded by Alison Malmon when she was a junior at the University of Pennsylvania following the suicide of her older brother, Brian. Alison recognized that Brian's story is the story of thousands of young people who suffer in silence; who, despite their large numbers, they think they are totally alone. A majority of mental illnesses start between ages 14 and 24 when teens and young adults are in school, and suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students.

Within two years of starting, the number of chapters of Active Minds continued to increase. Soon Alison was fielding calls from all over the country from students and administrators wanting to do something on their own campuses. A national office was established in Washington DC, and Active Minds was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization in late 2003. Now more than 1,000 campuses and communities have chapters, and we directly reach more than 1.9 million people each year.

1. BE RADICALLY AUTHENTIC.
Our words and actions are real: approachable, reassuring, and practical. We all have mental health, and we meet our community where they are, exactly as they are. The community we inspire brings their whole selves, and are respected for their unique expertise – which includes lived experience. All are welcome and the way we communicate affirms that.

2. EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY.
We actively listen to each other and amplify our community. We value partnership and recognize that our ideas are better when perspectives from up, down, and across the team and community are sought, heard, and considered. We raise each other up to ensure all voices are heard.

3. PURSUE SMART, BOLD INNOVATION.
We shape the next-gen social norms and solutions for mental health to continuously and boldly evolve. We are driven by our “why” and are committed to excellence as we respond and adapt with agility. We are forward-thinking, and always learning.

4. INSPIRE EQUITABLE AND JUSTICE-DRIVEN ACTION.
An emotionally healthy world is not possible without a just world. We believe that equity and social justice are paramount to our work and we use that lens as we look to make change in our world.

Student Ambassadors

On college campuses, Active Minds ambassadors focus on creating a supportive community where students can engage in discussions about mental health, access resources, and participate in events or programs designed to raise awareness and provide education. Some common activities include hosting mental health awareness weeks, organizing speaker panels, providing mental health resources, and creating peer support networks. Check out our members below!

Paige Chassman is a senior at Pitzer College, majoring in psychology and minoring in dance. She aspires to be a dance/movement therapist in the future, and is passionate about destigmatizing mental health issues on a local and global scale.

Eva Novy-Hildesley is a sophomore at Pitzer College, double majoring in psychology and environmental policy. She is interested in the intersection of psychology and sustainability, and the importance of behavior change and mentality in addressing global issues.

Finley Brownfield is a freshman at Pitzer College, majoring in psychology and minoring in data science. She is interested in clinical psychology and possibly becoming a therapist in the future. She is very passionate about mental health, the outdoors, and making sure everyone can be granted the help they deserve.

Natania Markos is a sophomore at Pitzer majoring in International Political Economy and Comparative Politics. She is interested in the political systems around the world and how they interact.

Key Resources

Included below are links and information about various resources available around and beyond the 5Cs to all students. Feel free to reach out to Active Minds ambassadors with questions.

Mental Health & Well-Being Office: East Sanborn Hall 225-227

Stephanie Hannant: Senior Assistant Dean of Mental Health - stephanit_hannant@pitzer.edu / (909) 607-2429
Christian Santana: Student Support Case Manager - christian_santana@pitzer.edu
David Jimenez - david_jimenez@pitzer.edu Tuesday 8-5, Thursday 8-5)
Jasmine Vasquez - jasmineselena_vazquez@pitzer.edu (Tuesday 8-5, Thursday 8-5, Friday 8-12)
Desiree Ramirez - desiree_ramirez@pitzer.edu (Monday 8-5, Wednesday 8-5, Friday 8-12)

The EmPOWER Center - 7C Violence Prevention and Advocacy

The EmPOWER Center's mission is to create a culture where all members of The Claremont Colleges respect and look out for each other, and where students impacted by sexual violence, dating/domestic violence, and stalking receive holistic support and care. As the Violence Prevention and Advocacy Center of The Claremont Colleges, the Center works collaboratively to support 7C-wide educational programs and provide holistic, confidential support to all students impacted in any way by sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, or stalking. See more HERE.

Other Student Organizations:

Strive2Thrive: Strive to Thrive is a mental health and wellness campaign aimed at increasing awareness, education, and support through outreach, events, workshops, and drop-ins. See more HERE.

Crisis Counseling: If you feel the need to speak to someone immediately, please call Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS) at (909) 621-8202 dial '1'

After Hours Additional Resources:

Call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline: 988
Text the Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741-741
Text the Student of Color Text Line - text STEVE to 741-741
Call or Text the Trevor Project - text START to 678-678 or Call 1(866) 488-7386
Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) - 1(800) 656-4673

Nearby Hospitals:

Montclair Hospital Medical Center in Montclair, CA (909) 625-5411
San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland, CA (909) 985-2811
Pomona Valley Hospital in Pomona, CA (909) 985-2811
Aurora Charter Oak Behavioral Care in Covina, CA (800) 654-2613
Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center in City of Industry, CA (626)-626-4997

Reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating/domestic violence, and sexual exploitation can be made to Pitzer’s Senior Director of DHSM and Title IX Christine Guzman by email (christine_guzman@pitzer.edu) or by phone (909.607.2958); by scheduling a video or phone meeting; or by utilizing the Online Reporting Form. Anonymous reports are allowed, but may limit the College’s ability to effectively respond.