Joco Today

Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded Johnson County Community College (JCCC) with $75,129 to enhance on-campus mental health services. The Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant will support JCCC students at risk of suicide, depression, serious mental illness, and/or substance use disorders that can lead to school failure. Today, almost half of college-aged students report suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety.

“College-aged students inherently face life changes that can be difficult to handle, leading to decreased mental and emotional well-being without the necessary support,” said Davids. “These new federal resources will ensure students at Johnson County Community College have access to the help needed to be successful inside and outside the classroom. As an alum, I am proud to support their continuous goal of serving all students better.”

Specifically, this Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) grant will:

• Connect students with behavioral health care providers who treat mental illness and substance use disorders;
• Train faculty, students, and staff on mental health first aid, suicide prevention, and substance abuse disorders;
• Foster a campus culture that encourages students to seek help when struggling with mental health challenges and substance abuse disorders.

“Johnson County Community College is committed to helping our students achieve their educational goals,” said Dr. Andy Bowne, President, Johnson County Community College. “To fulfill our commitment, we realize the importance of ensuring we have the support in place for students experiencing mental health crises. Through the Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention grant, our college will provide training to faculty, staff, and students; strengthen partnerships within the mental health community; and enhance our ability to better serve our students.”

Garrett Lee Smith, son of Senator Gordon Smith (OR), died by suicide the day before his twenty-second birthday. The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act of 2004 first authorized the federal resources announced today, allowing higher education institutions to combat suicide on campus and expandefforts to promote wellness for all students. Davids voted to reauthorize the Youth Suicide Prevention Program through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and requested increased funding for the program for Fiscal Year 2024.

Davids has focused on improving mental health care since taking office. She has helped secure funding for mental health programs in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, and has advocated for stronger mental health supports in schools. Her legislation to renew federal mental health grant programs for health centers, schools, and law enforcement passed the House last year. She also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve opioid misuse prevention among student athletes and additional legislation to improve mental health supports for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.

Davids encourages Kansans who are struggling or in crisis to call or text the new national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline, 988.

Original source can be found here.