New study designed to improve student mental health on Kentucky college campuses
By John McGary
March 13, 2025 at 4:11 PM EDT
A new study by the Council on Postsecondary Education has led to what the council calls a statewide strategy to address growing mental health challenges on college campuses. Lily Massa-McKinley is the executive director of the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative. She said the new strategy was formed with help of a nonprofit devoted to these issues.
“The collaborative launched a community of practice with our mental health partner, Jed Foundation, who really works nationally to help with suicide prevention and mental wellness of students on campuses.”
The Healthy Minds Study involves a survey given to more than 3,600 students at 21 postsecondary institutions between 2022 and 2024. Forty percent said they’d felt depressed in the last year; 60 percent experienced anxiety. Massa-McKinley said a key goal is to reduce the stigma of seeking help.
“One of the best ways that we've seen to do that is through student testimonials -- really engaging student voice in, you know, ‘This has been a great service. I feel so great.’”
Massa-McKinley said they’ll work with campus partners on timelines and if additional resources are needed, help find grants and partners.
Kentucky Student Success Collaborative
“The collaborative launched a community of practice with our mental health partner, Jed Foundation, who really works nationally to help with suicide prevention and mental wellness of students on campuses.”
The Healthy Minds Study involves a survey given to more than 3,600 students at 21 postsecondary institutions between 2022 and 2024. Forty percent said they’d felt depressed in the last year; 60 percent experienced anxiety. Massa-McKinley said a key goal is to reduce the stigma of seeking help.
“One of the best ways that we've seen to do that is through student testimonials -- really engaging student voice in, you know, ‘This has been a great service. I feel so great.’”
Massa-McKinley said they’ll work with campus partners on timelines and if additional resources are needed, help find grants and partners.
Kentucky Student Success Collaborative