Pennsylvania recognizes 15 postsecondary institutions for efforts to support student mental health and prevent suicide

Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Deputy Secretary of Postsecondary and Higher Education Dr. Lynette Kuhn joined officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Temple University, and the JED Foundation in recoginzing 15 postsecondary institutions across the Commonwealth for their commitment to preventing suicide and promoting mental health and wellness for their learners.

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Temple University hosted the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as it recognized 15 postsecondary institutions across the Commonwealth for their commitment to preventing suicide and promoting mental health and wellness for their learners.

PA CARES is a newly created recognition that ensures postsecondary students have access to support, tools, and resources to learn and thrive.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to collaborate, cooperate, and connect to ensure Pennsylvania’s postsecondary students have access to safe and supportive learning environments, and the PA CARES initiative recognizes the school communities that are doing the work day in and day out,” said Deputy Secretary of Postsecondary and Higher Education Dr. Lynette Kuhn. “We applaud these 15 colleges and universities for recognizing the importance of coming together for the learners on their campuses and proactively working to enhance mental health and prevent suicide.”

PA CARES, which stands for “Connect, Assess, Respond, Encourage, Support,” recognizes postsecondary institutions that have implemented Act 110 mental health and suicide prevention plans, enabling school staff to engage with the campus community and empowering students to seek help when they need it.

Mental health support for students of all ages — K-12 through postsecondary education — has been a priority for the Shapiro Administration, which has invested $200 million to help schools hire mental health counselors, provide other mental health resources to fit the needs of each unique school community and invest in school safety and security. Earlier this year, through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) School Safety and Security Grant Program, the Administration announced grant funding for school safety and mental health support to more than 780 K-12 schools.