The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is focusing on mental health of students and staff this week, with the launch of the first-ever Mental Health and Wellness Week.
According to a news release, students and employees of KCTCS across the Commonwealth will have access to five days of interactive events, creative activities and accessible support designed to strengthen well-being and normalize conversations around mental health.
The hope is this initiative, made possible through a partnership between the KCTCS Mental Health Community of Practice, the Jed Foundation, the Healthy Minds Network and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, will represent a data-informed approach to support more than 110,000 KCTCS students.
A recent study determined that 68 percent of students across all 16 facilities showed signs of depression and 66 percent showed symptoms of anxiety, while only 27 percent of student were receiving therapy. And the biggest number was that 86 percent reported financial stress.
The KCTCS Mental Health Strategy focuses on six key areas, including survey-informed interventions, faculty and staff training, early-alert guidance, mental health communication campaigns, peer wellness programs and expanded services supported by grants and partnerships.