PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has recognized 15 postsecondary institutions for their substantial efforts to promote mental health and prevent student suicide through the newly established PA CARES initiative. The announcement took place at Temple University, where leaders in education and mental health emphasized the significance of creating safe and supportive environments for learners.
PA CARES, which stands for “Connect, Assess, Respond, Encourage, Support,” acknowledges institutions that have implemented comprehensive mental health and suicide prevention strategies under Act 110. Participating schools are required to establish accessible resources, including crisis intervention services, multimedia educational content, and trained mental health staff available 24/7. The initiative also demands active communication plans and periodic updates to ensure resources remain relevant and effective.
Dr. Lynette Kuhn, PDE’s Deputy Secretary for Postsecondary and Higher Education, emphasized the importance of collaboration across campuses. “It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure Pennsylvania’s postsecondary students have access to safe and supportive learning environments,” she stated. “We applaud these 15 colleges and universities for their dedication to the well-being of their students and their proactive role in preventing mental health crises.”
The PA CARES program builds on the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to mental health support in education, which includes a $200 million investment to improve mental health services in schools statewide. Earlier this year, additional funding was allocated to over 780 K-12 schools through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Grant Program.
Mental health challenges remain a critical issue among college students. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, an estimated 1,100 college students die by suicide annually in the United States, making it the second leading cause of death on campuses nationwide. To combat this, PDE launched initiatives like the “You Good?” campaign and hosted events such as the PA MASLOW convening to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with seeking help.
Martha Sanchez, Director of Policy at The Jed Foundation, highlighted the positive impact of mental health programs, noting, “Research shows that students in schools that completed the JED Campus program were significantly less likely to report suicidal ideation and attempts. We applaud Pennsylvania for recognizing institutions that are taking life-saving steps on behalf of their students.”
Through partnerships with organizations like JED, which supports over 1,200 high schools and colleges nationwide, PA CARES has strengthened the state’s ability to address mental health issues proactively. Schools participating in the program are required to meet stringent criteria, such as providing local and national hotline information, maintaining crisis intervention plans, and ensuring widespread accessibility of mental health resources.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education continues to prioritize mental health as a fundamental element of student success, urging all campuses to adopt best practices in support of student well-being. With initiatives like PA CARES, the state is setting a precedent in addressing mental health challenges head-on and empowering students to thrive both academically and personally.
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