Siena was the host of a recent statewide conference on the mental health issues and needs of New York’s college students.
More than 50 legislators, state agency administrators and mental health advocates gathered here with local college officials to discuss growing mental health concerns and start the development of a shared public policy framework. The conference was organized by Siena and the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS).
Margaret E. Madden, Ph.D., senior vice president and provost, welcomed attendees at the October 14 summit.
“Colleges in New York state and across the country are seeing an increase in mental health issues affectig their students’ well-being and academic success,” she said. “It is crucial that higher education administrators join together with representatives from state health and education agencies as well as state lawmakers to explore policy solutions to address this crisis. Together, we can work toward practical and caring policies to address them.”
The summit represented one of several next step recommendations put forth in a white paper released by MHANSY in February. The report reviewed research to determine the state of the crisis and its impact on students and the growing demand for mental health services. In addition to assessing campus response, the study evaluated the broader public response, focusing on action taken by the media, courts, advocates and legislatures. These findings were then analyzed against the exacerbating impact of the COVID pandemic.
State Assemblymember Deborah Glick, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Higher Education, addressed attendees.
“As students navigate the challenges of earning a degree, our higher education institutions must be equipped to care for their mental well-being. I am thankful for MHANYS and Siena College for hosting this summit and I look forward to working with mental health professionals, higher ed offices and my colleagues in government to find ways to improve access and quality of care for our college students.”