MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) – Washington State College of Ohio held its Community Mental Health Day event on Monday morning, bringing together local mental health providers and organizations to connect with students and the broader community.
The event, aimed at raising awareness and sharing resources, featured a variety of groups, including House of Hope, the Southeastern Ohio Counseling Center, and the Suicide Awareness Alliance of Washington County.
Kathy Temple-Miller, Dean of Student Success at Washington State College, emphasized the significance of the event, particularly in light of the increasing importance of mental health support for students. “We know that mental health support for our students and general mental wellness is more important than ever,” Temple-Miller said. “There are so many students who might be afraid to talk about it, so today, we wanted to bring together many of our community partners to provide that support.”
The event was made possible through a grant from the Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental Health, which helped fund the gathering.
Annaleise Fisher, Suicide Prevention and Health Promotion Manager, discussed the challenges faced by college students, noting the rising mental health issues among this demographic. “College students today are facing more stressors and mental health experiences than ever before,” Fisher said. “It’s really important that we make our services known and remind students that they’re not alone—there are resources available to them.”
Leeann Price, of the Washington County Suicide Prevention Alliance, also highlighted the value of raising community awareness. “This event provides an opportunity for organizations like ours to connect with the community and raise visibility about the resources available,” Price said. “It’s important for people to know where they can turn for help, and having all these agencies represented today shows just how many options there are.”
For individuals struggling with mental health or those concerned about someone else, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available at 988 for immediate support.
This event represents a significant step toward breaking the stigma around mental health and ensuring that students and community members have access to the resources and support they need.
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