Versailles, Que. (WEVV) – For the first time in its history, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is uniting all 16 colleges and system offices for a shared mental health and wellness week, creating a unified, systemwide experience focused on care, connection and community.
From March 2-6, 2026, students and staff from across the Commonwealth will participate in five days of interactive programs, creative activities and accessible support services aimed at strengthening overall well-being and normalizing the conversation about mental health.
The inaugural initiative was proposed by members of the KCTCS mental health practice community and directly supports the goals outlined in the system’s new mental health strategy. This strategy was launched in partnership with The JED Foundation (JED), the Healthy Minds Network, and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. It represents a coordinated, data-informed approach to support more than 110,000 KCTCS students across the state.
Data from the recent Healthy Minds study conducted across all 16 KCTCS colleges highlights the urgency of this effort. According to the study, 68% of the students showed symptoms of depression and 66% of the students showed symptoms of anxiety. Despite those numbers, only 27% of students who screen positive are currently receiving therapy. Additionally, 86% of students report experiencing financial stress.
Community college students often juggle academic responsibilities along with jobs, family obligations, and, in some cases, food insecurity, housing instability or limited access to medical care. Mental Health and Wellness Week reflects KCTCS’s commitment to meeting students where they are and fostering a broader community of care on our campuses.
The KCTCS mental health strategy focuses on six key areas: survey-informed interventions, faculty and staff training, early-warning guidance, mental health communication campaigns, peer wellness programs, and expanded services supported by grants and partnerships. Organizers say Mental Health and Wellness Week brings those priorities to life in visual and practical ways.
“When we prioritize mental health and overall well-being, we help students focus on earning the qualifications that can change their lives,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “Many of our students are balancing work, family responsibilities and even food insecurity throughout their education. By reducing stigma and making support accessible, we remove barriers to completion, strengthen student success and invest in Kentucky’s workforce and economy.”
For more information about Mental Health and Wellbeing Week and KCTCS’s Mental Health Strategy, visit kctcs.edu.
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