Managing Student Mental Health at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Findings from a Critical Issues Forum with Campus Public Safety Leaders

Presents findings from a forum facilitated on July 12, 2016. The forum included 38 campus public safety executives and professionals from 28 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in 14 states. Participants discussed challenges they face related to mental health on campus including: the need for mental health services outpacing the growth in staffing and budgets for mental health services at many HBCUs; too few campus safety officials and first responders being adequately trained to recognize mental illnesses or respond effectively to persons in distress; unclear policies, procedures and communication efforts; and the social stigma attached to mental health.