SHU Forms Mental Health Coalition for Student Wellness
National foundation will conduct study to assess and enhance existing wellness programs
Sacred Heart University has formed a campus-wide mental health coalition to embark on a comprehensive needs study that will assess and enhance SHU’s wide-ranging student wellness programs.
To accomplish this, the University has partnered with The Jed Foundation (JED), a nationwide, nonprofit, suicide-prevention program focused on teens and young adults. The foundation guides school leaders through a collaborative process of comprehensive systems, programs and policy development to build upon existing student mental-health initiatives, including substance misuse and suicide prevention programs.
“Over the past few years, as we have dealt with the COVID pandemic, we also have witnessed a significant increase in mental health issues among the members of our community,” said University President John J. Petillo. “In fact, many say that mental health is the next campus-wide epidemic that those of us in higher education must be prepared to deal with to move past the pandemic and best serve the needs of our student populations.
“This is an important undertaking that is vital to our day-to-day efforts of ensuring the well-being of our campus community,” Petillo said.
James Geisler, SHU’s director of counseling, will chair the new coalition. He said members will look at all programming with an eye on equity and inclusion. “It says a lot about Sacred Heart that we are partnering with JED,” he said. “We offer many different services, for both individuals and groups. Our counselors take an active approach with outreach, and we will be taking a close look at evidence-based practices.”
Coalition members were recruited from areas throughout the University, including athletics, academics, multicultural affairs, public safety, residential life and campus ministry.
SHU has a host of mental health and wellness initiatives tailored to specific groups whose members might need support, such as athletes or students navigating relationships and career choices. For instance, Project Connect is a peer-led effort to assist those looking to meet new people and build friendships. “We are creating opportunities for understanding and meeting the needs of those who come to us,” Geisler said, “but what about those who don’t? I would love to see what more we can do.”
Coalition meetings will begin this semester.