As President of the TCSA, I would bring forward a new TCSA Board Member position, a Mental Health Commissioner. Currently, mental health is under the portfolio and jurisdiction of the Disability Commissioner. Much like the separation of Queer and Gender Issues Commissioners, there is need for these responsibilities to be divided between different portfolios. Although for the last couple years the executive have done excellent mental health programming, making this new position ensures that conversations surrounding mental health will happen, whether or not they are an executive priority.
Increasing Trans. Health Coverage
For many students, the first time they will ever have access to private health care coverage is through the TCSA health plan. This fact is especially important to transgendered students, who require private health coverage to cover the high cost of transitioning. Increasing TCSA coverage of drugs and surgeries will help individuals to live as their true selves, and will increase the heath of the entire community.
Health
Mental Health Commissioner
Mental Health First Aid
As part of the consistent services offered by the association, as President I would increase the frequency of free/low cost Mental Health First Aid training, and ensure it is offered at least once per semester. This training provides students with vital self care skills, that can also be used to support their friends, family, and even others experiencing a mental health crises. I would also bring forward the suggestion to include Mental Health First Aid as a mandatory training session for future TCSA executives.
Off-Campus Crisis Response Plan
Currently, there is a gap within the university as to what action should or should not be taken when an off-campus student has a mental health crisis. Administration and students alike both don't know what action is appropriate to take in order to support someone. To make sure that no students are being left behind, the TCSA needs to work with the university to develop a plan and policy to help support off-campus students who require assistance. There are currently plans in place for residence students experiencing a crisis, but no clear plan exists for off campus individuals.
Along with transit, health care is the largest service currently offered by the association. Below you will find an outline of my ideas for the association's health care on campus moving forward.
Peer Counselling Support Groups
Throughout the past year, I have had the privilege of co-facilitating a closed space run by the university for LGBTQ2+ students. The value of the program is high for those who participate, and, as President, I would lobby for the university to increase the number of similar closed spaces facilitated by trained students. First generation students, international students, Indigenous students, students of colour, those suffering from addictions, and many more could benefit greatly from an increase in the amount of such spaces offered. These spaces can also relieve some of the strain on other on campus health care services.