Press Release | May 7 Forum | Mental health, post-secondary and local government leaders explore innovative mental health solutions for students

Representatives from BEACON, Mohawk College, the Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development and Jack.org address issues regarding on-campus mental health resources

HAMILTON – Campus mental health issues and access to supports on post-secondary campuses are a growing concern. Today prominent mental health, post-secondary, government and student leaders will meet at Mohawk College to discuss new opportunities to meet the demand for increased on-campus mental health resources.  The conversation will explore innovative solutions and be led by respected sector leaders including Colin Andersen, Executive Vice President of BEACON and former deputy minister of Ontario, Ivonne Mellozzi, Manager, Colleges Unit, Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, Wayne Poirier, Vice-President of Student and Alumni Services at Mohawk and Jessie Brar, youth panelist and Jack.org representative.

Demand for more on-campus mental health resources has continued to rise over the years. In 2016, a survey from the National College Health Assessment revealed that one in three Canadian post-secondary students experience issues with mental health. Reports of serious mental health crises such as thoughts of suicide were also higher than previous results.

Mohawk’s Vice-President of Student & Alumni Services, Wayne Poirier says “the forum is a great launch into Mental Health Awareness Week. Mohawk has committed to raising funds and awareness for mental health through on campus initiatives such as Mental Health in Motion. Conversations like today give us helpful insight into innovative and affordable possibilities for our students and our school.”

Two thirds of those suffering from mental health issues in Canada are not getting the treatment they need due to a number of barriers, including affordability, accessibility and stigma.

“There is a growing concern about the need for on-campus care for students, and post-secondary institutions are enhancing their support and growing their wellness centres to address this need. Integrating digital mental health solutions on campuses is a natural fit with this generation of students. As an effective, affordable and accessible option, we’re excited that BEACON is able to provide them with easy access to the support they need,” says Andersen.

The panel discussion is open to members of the media and will take place on May 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mohawk in the Bert Hares Boardroom of the McKeil School of Business.

About BEACON
BEACON is an easy to access and affordable therapy solution that helps people overcome mental health problems including mood and anxiety disorders. Developed by CBT Associates, Canada’s largest single private provider of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), BEACON provides care and treatment through digitally delivered CBT with the one-on-one support of a dedicated therapist all along the way.