September 22, 2022 – Richland Community College is placing a stronger focus on mental health. Over the past two days, the college has moved forward in its partnership with the JED Foundation and held a Fresh Check Day to better support the emotional well-being of students.
On Monday and Tuesday, a representative of the JED Foundation visited Richland to gather student perspectives, create campus-specific goals, and make a strategic plan for how the two organizations will collaborate to implement those objectives. Richland started this 4-year partnership with the JED Foundation in February to create a more supportive environment for students.
Students in the focus group were asked a variety of questions. When one was asked how faculty and staff are supportive of mental health needs, they said, “There are a lot of supportive people here. I have had great professors and my success coach is the best.”
These insights provided a mental health supportive framework so Richland can begin creating a campus mental health and wellbeing strategic plan. It will be aimed at implementing appropriate policies and programs to support students’ emotional well-being.
Dr. Isaac Zuniga, Vice President of Student Success, said, “For us at Richland, the establishment of mental health strategic plan indicates to our students and community stakeholder than mental health is a priority for the institution. Addressing mental health is student success!”
Along with the JED Foundation visit, Richland also held a Fresh Check Day on Tuesday. Fresh Check Day, the signature program for the Jordan Porco Foundation, focuses on mental health and suicide prevention across college campuses. It included interactive booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and groups, free food, entertainment, and exciting prizes and giveaways. The goal was to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health.
All of these efforts further support Richland’s mission of fostering an environment that encourages student success.
