March 14, 2016

Top 10 things you need to know about WIN

The Welfare Intervention Network (WIN) supports students, faculty, and staff who may be at risk to themselves or others.

The Welfare Intervention Network (WIN) is a multidisciplinary team of Lewis & Clark staff and faculty who share information and plan appropriate outreach efforts to support students, faculty, and staff who may be at risk to themselves or others. 

In fall of 2015, WIN collaborated with members from across campus to address 42 cases where a community member was a risk to themselves or others, including instances of suicide risk or attempts, substance abuse, psychotic behaviors, and threatening or violent behaviors. Members of WIN consulted with community members on countless other cases that were ultimately resolved through other campus resources.

All Lewis & Clark community members are encouraged to be familiar with these 10 recommendations from WIN—and to reach out to WIN when concerned for the health or well being of any Lewis & Clark community members:

1. What to watch for:

Everyone feels stressed, depressed, or anxious at times. But sometimes these feelings can escalate to a point where someone’s health or safety is at risk. Below are some signs for concern:

  • Dramatic mood changes
  • Withdrawal
  • Hopelessness
  • Recklessness
  • Anger or aggression
  • Significant anxiety or agitation
  • Purposelessness
  • Severe sleep problems
  • Feeling trapped
  • Self-injurious behavior
  • Lack of attention to personal hygiene
  • A decline in academic or job performance or other significant behavior changes

Other warning signs can be even more concerning, including comments or writing about death, dying, or suicide, giving away prized possessions, seeking access to the means of suicide, preoccupation with weapons, threats to others, out-of-control drinking behavior, and psychotic symptoms (loss of contact with reality). If you encounter a community member who exhibits any of these more concerning warning signs, you should always seek consultation.

2. When in doubt, contact WIN:

Sometimes people hesitate and wait until a situation has reached a state of crisis to tell anyone. There is no harm in contacting WIN and consulting about a community member. 

3. Privacy:

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) does not prevent faculty and staff from reporting private information to other faculty and staff who have legitimate education interest. In fact, it explicitly permits disclosure in the event of a health or safety concern. If you have any questions about whether your situation rises to that threshold, please consult with your supervisor or any member of WIN. 

4. In case of immediate risk call Campus Safety (503-768-7777):

Signs of immediate risk include:

  • Potential for suicidal actions
  • Homicidal threats
  • Beliefs or actions greatly at odds with reality
  • Highly disruptive behavior
  • Garbled or slurred speech

5. In case of non-immediate risk:

Visit go.lclark.edu/WIN to report a concerning situation.

6.  Get to know WIN:

WIN is made up of a dedicated team of Lewis & Clark staff working together to develop a caring community for all of our faculty, staff, and students.

7. After-hours resources:

Emergency crisis counseling (Available 24/7 for concerns from or about students): 503-265-7804

Nurse consultation (Available 24/7 for concerns from or about students): 1-800-607-5501

Cascade Centers Employee Assistance Program: 1-800-433-2320

8. Off-campus resources:

Portland Women’s Crisis Line: 1-888-235-5333

Multnomah County Crisis Line (mental health): 503-988-4888

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

9. Child abuse reporting:

Under Oregon Law, all employees are required to report to the Oregon Department of Human Services or law enforcement if they have reasonable cause to believe that any child they have come in contact with has suffered abuse, or that a person they have come into contact with has abused a child. 

10. Take care:

Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Take care of this place.