Cecil College receives grant for mental health and wellness services
Published on July 30, 2024
NORTH EAST, MD: Cecil College is the recipient of a $148,708 grant from the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to support students by providing increased access to mental health and wellness services and programs.
“We are grateful to the Maryland Department of Health for this generous grant, which will significantly enhance our ability to support our students’ mental health and wellness. At Cecil College, we recognize the critical importance of mental health in academic success and personal development. With the establishment of the Student Well-Being Center and the provision of telehealth services, we aim to provide immediate and accessible support to all our students. This grant is a testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where every student can thrive,” said Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.
The priority for this grant is to provide mental health telehealth services. This would give every student enrolled in credit programs immediate access to counseling and would be especially helpful during the evenings, weekends, and when the College is closed for breaks.
Furthermore, Cecil College is proud to announce the establishment of the Student Wellbeing Office (SWB) on the North East Campus. This office, staffed by two part-time professionals, will serve as a beacon of support and community for our students. The Grant will also allow the College to award ten $500 scholarships to students enrolled in the Human Services program.
For students seeking help virtually, the College offers “You at College,” an online wellness platform that allows users to take assessments, set wellness goals, and read peer testimonials. The three themes of the organization’s wellness framework are thrive (mental health, alcohol and drugs, and sexual well-being), succeed (finances, basic needs, academics, and career path), and matter (purpose and meaning, relationships, diversity/identity, and involvement).
Through “You at College,” students needing behavioral health services are provided with evidence-based mental health services, which will be highlighted at the New Student Orientation in August.
Cecil College, an inclusive, open-access institution, is deeply committed to academic excellence and service to our region. We take pride in offering 45 associate degrees and 31 certificate programs and enrolling approximately 2,200 credit students and 2,700 continuing education students annually. This grant is a testament to our dedication to our students’ holistic well-being.
www.cecil.edu