History
The Problem
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), student mental health is worsening by nearly every metric.
- The Healthy Minds Study revealed that more than 60% of college students met the criteria for at least one mental health problem.
- According to the Healthy Illinois 2028 State Improvement Plan, more than 1 in 10 residents have reported 14 or more days of poor mental health in the past month, with the highest prevalence of poor mental health days for those 18 to 24 years of age, Black or African American, or those identified as “other race and lower income groups.”
- Studies show about 75% of all mental health conditions manifest by age 24, and college counseling center directors are seeing more cases of mental health conditions—a growing issue that must be addressed.
- One in five college students has contemplated suicide and it is one of the leading causes of death among young people.
With mental health symptoms nearly doubling in college student populations in the past decade, it is crucial to develop mental health services and systems to meet the needs of these struggling students.
The Purpose of the Act
The Mental Health Early Action on Campus (MHEAC) Act (110 ILCS 58) was passed by the Illinois General Assembly and became effective on July 1, 2020. The act was created to address gaps in mental health services on college campuses across Illinois through training, peer support, and community-campus partnerships.
In addition, the MHEAC Act mandated the creation of a Technical Assistance Center to support colleges and universities in meeting MHEAC Act requirements and goals under the direction of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
The Act includes 5 major initiatives to be developed on all 2-year and 4-year campuses in the State.
Those 5 initiatives include the following:
- Identify students in need of services and connect them to services.
- Increase access to services and support.
- Increase access to clinical service on campus and in surrounding communities.
- Develop peer support services and trainings for students;
- Provide technical assistance and training to reduce administrative barriers and undue burden on students.
Progress on Campuses
MHEAC grant funding is being used by public colleges and universities throughout Illinois to enhance services provided to college students to improve their mental health. Funds are used to develop annual student orientation sessions aimed at raising awareness not only about mental health conditions, but also about the services available to students on campus. Mental health information has been added to college and university websites, including links to national helplines, online screening and resources, and connections to services for mental health emergencies in the local area.
Mental health awareness training has been provided to students, staff, and administration in many forms, including online learning collaboratives or Mental Health First Aid Training©. In addition, many campuses are able to enhance the supportive services they provide to students through their food pantries, rent and bill assistance, transportation assistance, and more with MHEAC grant funding.
To supplement existing mental health services on campuses, many colleges and universities are choosing to spend some of their MHEAC grant funds to purchase technology-driven programs that provide access to mental health virtual care 24-hours-per-day. These programs include on-demand access to services such as peer support programs, links to online resources or screening tools, referrals to campus or community services, scheduling an appointment with an in-person counselor, or simply providing someone for students to talk to confidentially.