A Campus-Wide Mental Health Initiative
In 2024, Wayne State College expanded its support of student well-being and mental health by partnering with The Jed Foundation (JED). As a JED Campus, WSC developed a multi-year strategic collaboration to assess and enhance current mental health and well-being initiatives to create positive, lasting, systemic change in the campus community. In the first year of this effort, a strategic plan was created to guide ongoing efforts.
What is JED?
The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today and tomorrow.
JED Campus is a nationwide initiative designed to help colleges evaluate and strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs to provide strong mental health support systems for students.
As a JED Campus, WSC worked with a representative from The Jed Foundation to implement a holistic, campus-wide approach to mental health.
What this means for students
Through JED Campus, Wayne State College is strengthening how we support student mental health and well-being across campus. This work helps ensure students have access to support, resources, and prevention efforts that encourage a healthy and connected college experience.
- Students can expect ongoing efforts focused on:
- Improving awareness of mental health resources and how to access them
- Strengthening prevention and early support strategies
- Enhancing coordination across campus programs and services
- Building a campus culture that supports well-being, belonging, and success
How JED Campus supports lasting change
This partnership has resulted in new initiatives and a fresh look at how existing programs impact student mental health and well-being through:
- Comprehensive approach - WSC works to develop a holistic public health model for student well-being, not just reactive crisis management.
- Systems-level change - The goal is to integrate mental health support into the fabric of the university, involving policies, programs, and culture.
- Proactive prevention - Focuses on identifying and mitigating challenges and amplifying strategies that work to promote thriving students.
- Strategic partnership - Collaborates with JED for customized support, assessment tools, and guidance to enhance existing efforts.
Mental health and well-being resources
Wayne State College offers support services to help students navigate challenges and maintain their well-being. Helpful starting points include:
- Counseling Center
- Campus Safety and Security
- CARE Team
- Recreation and Fitness Services
- Student Health Services
If you’re not sure where to start, the contact the Counseling Center to help connect you with the right support.
JED Mental Health Resource Center