Collaboration between KCTCS and The Jed Foundation on a novel approach for bolstering student mental health support services
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has taken a significant step forward in prioritizing student mental health with the launch of its first comprehensive Mental Health Strategy.
The strategy, which focuses on six key areas, aims to empower students to navigate life's challenges, stay on track academically, and prepare for meaningful careers.
- Survey-informed interventions will see data from student surveys used to develop targeted interventions addressing specific mental health needs.
- Faculty and staff training is designed to educate educators on mental health awareness and support, creating a supportive environment for students.
- An early-alert guide will help identify students who may be struggling early on, allowing for timely interventions.
- Mental health communication campaigns will promote awareness and understanding of mental health through various communication channels.
- Peer wellness programs encourage peer support by involving students in promoting mental wellness and reducing stigma.
- Expanded grant and partner-supported services will enhance mental health resources through partnerships and grants, providing more comprehensive support services for students.
The strategy's development and implementation were approached in a systematic manner across the KCTCS system and within individual member institutions. The initiative is supported by partnerships with The Healthy Minds Network, the Council on Postsecondary Education, and JED, who provided technical-assistance support and consultation.
The results from the Healthy Minds Study conducted last year across the 16 schools indicate an urgent need for action. The study revealed that 68% of students show signs of depression, 66% report anxiety symptoms, only 27% who screen positive for depression or anxiety are receiving therapy, and 86% report financial stress.
Sarah Lipson, Ph.D, Ed.M, principal investigator of the Healthy Minds Network and associate professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, expressed excitement about the use of Healthy Minds data to inform statewide decision-making.
KCTCS President Ryan Quarles emphasized the deep connection between student well-being and success. Erica Riba, Ed.D., senior director of alumni programs and engagement at JED, who advised on the systemwide mental health strategy, noted that community and technical colleges often serve a diverse and often nontraditional student body.
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System's new mental health strategy aligns with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's statewide mental health plan. Christopher Hetherington, Ed.D., states that community college students often face financial challenges that lead to food and housing insecurity or less access to medical care, which can compound mental health issues.
The strategy's ultimate goal is to establish and strengthen a community of care among partner campuses, protect student mental health, and provide evidence-based mental health resources. The full Strategic Mental Health Framework can be found on the KCTCS website. The strategy is a model for how community colleges nationwide can take action in prioritizing mental health.
- The Kentucky Community and Technical College System's Mental Health Strategy aims to help students navigate life's challenges, focusing on areas such as education-and-self-development and learning, by implementing survey-informed interventions.
- To create a supportive environment for students, the strategy includes faculty and staff training in mental health awareness and support, promoting health-and-wellness within the community.
- An early-alert guide will be developed to help identify students who may be struggling and allow for timely interventions, focusing on infrastructure and organization within the schools.
- Mental health communication campaigns will be established to promote awareness and understanding of mental health, using various communication channels to reach students and the community.
- Peer wellness programs will encourage peer support and mental wellness among students,reducing stigma and fostering a community of care.
- The strategy will be further complemented by expanded grant and partner-supported services, ensuring comprehensive environmental support for students' mental health and personal development.
In addition, the initiative aligns with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education's statewide mental health plan, recognizing the unique challenges faced by community college students such as financial stress, food and housing insecurity, and less access to medical care that can exacerbate mental health issues. The strategy serves as a model for community colleges nationwide in prioritizing mental health.
