California State University – Chico

About the Program

WellCat Prevention empowers students to make informed decisions through harm reduction, alcohol and substance education, and health promotion. Through a trauma-informed approach, the program addresses the intersection of college life, substance use, and student well-being.

The program provides dedicated office and meeting space for student support, peer education, prevention initiatives, and recovery-supportive programming. California State University, Chico does not currently offer dedicated recovery housing. Regular paid positions include one full-time professional staff Prevention Coordinator and part-time student Peer Educators and Office Assistants.

The program is currently considered a Small Collegiate Recovery Program (1–14 students regularly participating in recovery-supportive programming). Recovery support includes peer engagement, substance use education, harm reduction services, overdose prevention education, recovery-supportive programming, wellness initiatives, referrals, and connections to campus and community resources. Services are available to all students, with a focus for students in recovery, seeking recovery, participating in medication-assisted treatment, practicing abstinence, or exploring their relationship with alcohol and other substances.

WellCat Prevention collaborates with the Chico State CARE Team, WellCat Counseling Center, WellCat Health Center, Butte-Glenn Opioid Safety Coalition, Chico Community Prevention Committee, and local treatment and recovery organizations. The program leads the Campus Narcan Project and coordinates alcohol and other drug prevention efforts associated with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

Participation is open to all students interested in recovery, wellness, harm reduction, or substance use education. Students are not required to identify as being in recovery to participate, and newcomers are welcome to fully engage in programming, support services, and community-building opportunities.