ABOUT
The Oregon Campuses United for Suicide Prevention (OCUSP) is a joint effort by colleges and universities in Oregon to reduce suicide risk on our campuses. We believe that suicide is often preventable, and we’ve developed a multifaceted program to raise awareness on our campuses and to assist at-risk students in receiving appropriate help.
The consortium grew out of collaboration supported by a federal grant. In 2005, the eight public universities in Oregon received a 3-year campus suicide prevention grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act. In 2008, we sought and obtained funding from member institutions to continue our work. We also welcomed private colleges and community colleges into the consortium so that the knowledge gained from implementing the grant could benefit a wider group of students.
Logo Meaning
A swallow (bird), is a cross-cultural, secular symbol of hope. Much like a lighthouse, a swallow is a symbol of hope because it's one of the first birds sailors see when approaching shore. Swallows fly further out from shore than most birds, so they're often the first sign that land is near.
The symbolism of the bird, or swallow, is relevant to OCUSP in a couple of different ways. First, swallows in flight are on a mission, whether they're migrating or nesting or feeding. This is symbolic of OCUSP's mission: the very important and urgent mission of suicide prevention. Second, flight conveys a message of freedom, empowerment, and self-determination. In this logo, the swallow is depicted flying forward, which is intended to symbolize accepting and healing and focusing on a better future.