Landmark College Partners with JED Foundation on Mental Health Program
Landmark College announced it was recently selected by the JED Foundation as a partnering institution on a multi-year program aimed at improving mental health for students.
Through the support of an anonymous donor, Landmark College is one of six Vermont universities and colleges who had the $22,000 fee for joining the “JED Campus” program covered by a grant. JED Campus is a nationwide initiative designed to assess and enhance work already being done at institutions of higher education on mental health issues such as suicide prevention and substance abuse.
Michael Luciani, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Campus Life at Landmark College, says the partnership comes at a time when the College was in the process of reviewing mental health and counseling resources as part of its strategic goals.
“The population of students with learning differences that we serve tend to have a greater need for mental health services, according to research,” says Luciani. “We’re excited to be able to tap into the JED Campus resources, and we hope our participation can help support other campuses who may be struggling to meet the needs of their communities.”
Over the course of four years, a dedicated JED Campus advisor will provide ongoing, in-depth support and advisement toward building a multi-disciplinary, cross-campus team focused on students’ mental health. Components include a 130-item assessment of current systems, programs, and policies, as well as a data summary highlighting outcomes and changes in students’ behaviors and attitudes at the conclusion of the program.
More information about the JED Campus initiative is available at www.jedcampus.org.