Tragic Period At Rowan University Met With Hope Through New DMAX Club

The 2019 Fall Semester was a tragic time for Rowan University – with three suicides in this one semester. This received national coverage. As CNN noted: “The most recent suicide — the third of the current semester — happened the day after Thanksgiving, rocking the university in Glassboro, NJ”. 1. Now, a new DMAX Club at Rowan has been established to support the college’s youth in need.

DMAX Clubs are student-led, mental health-related social clubs on a college campus that create an environment for students to get together and talk about how they are doing, how their friends are doing and how they can help each other. DMAX aims to provide critical support for students at Rowan at this critical time – particularly as the isolating effect of COVID is bearing down on vulnerable college youth.

Caitlin Allen, student leader at Penn State University, says “DMAX is the conversation starter, it’s the safe place to talk, it’s the shoulder to lean on. DMAX… are doing amazing things that help young adults like myself grow and heal. DMAX Clubs foster a supportive community on college campuses where students can talk about their struggles without judgement. The DMAX Foundation has been an integral part in my journey, and the recovery of many Penn State students.” 

According to Laurie Burstein- Maxwell, Executive Director, DMAX Foundation, “The unfolding tragedies of student suicides this year prompted us to do everything we can to try to help the campus. The DMAX Club at Rowan University has been working to form since January 2020. Emily Tran, a Rowan Junior, wanted to be a DMAX leader and start a DMAX Club. The Club was just approved last week. We are thrilled to be present for students on the campus at such a critical time.”  

To speak with or interview Emily or Laurie about the current pressures on college students and how DMAX Clubs help students overcome them, please contact: 

DMAX Foundation

610-420-7699 (Mobile)

PO Box 274

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

laurie@dmaxfoundation.org

610-527-2971 (Office)

1. https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/08/us/rowan-university-suicides/index.html

About DMAX Foundation

DMAX Foundation is a non-profit located in Philadelphia focusing on young people and mental health. Our mission is to create connections and conversations that matter to strengthen mental health and emotional well-being for young people.