McNeese Kay Dore’ Counseling Center Focuses on Suicide Education and Prevention

McNeese State University’s Kay Dore’ Counseling Center is positioning itself to be the first choice in educating the Lake Area community on suicide education and prevention.

According to statistics from the Calcasieu Parish Coroner’s Office, the suicide rate in Calcasieu Parish is above both the state and national average.

KDCC is working with several local organizations to educate the community about suicide prevention and to raise mental health awareness, said Dr. Kevin Yaudes, assistant professor of psychology and the center’s faculty adviser.

This clinical focus originated, in part, through collaboration with Sam Houston High School, explained Yaudes.  

“SHHS educators Ken Brown and Sara Jolie created the Peer Initiative Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT) program that offers peer-to-peer support to address underlying causes of suicide,” he said. “KDCC supports this initiative with on-site peer training and counseling services.”

A Greaux Blue social media fundraising campaign has been established through the McNeese Foundation to bring resources to the center to strengthen its engagement efforts and collaborations on providing suicide education, counseling, training and prevention here in Southwest Louisiana.

“Our goal is to continue offering low cost counseling to the community, to equip counselors and educators in our clinic and the region with specialized suicide prevention training and train future professional counselors, school counselors, faith leaders and health care workers in our area,” explained Yaudes. “Every dollar donated helps provide counseling, education and prevention services, and resources to individuals and families right here in the Lake Area.”

Donations can be made by going online at greauxblue.mcneese.edu/kdcc.