Washington, DC, May 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seven colleges and universities received the Healthy Campus Award today for their efforts to promote and protect the mental health, physical health, and overall well-being of their students. The prestigious award, now in its third year, is presented by Active Minds, a national nonprofit organization that seeks to change the conversation about mental health by raising awareness and inspiring action on college campuses.

“Colleges that are recognized with the Healthy Campus Award stand out because they invest in students’ physical and mental health on a comprehensive scale and for the long term,” says Alison Malmon, founder and executive director of Active Minds, the national nonprofit that presents the Healthy Campus Award as part of its commitment to student wellness. “They are a model of what’s possible when a school prioritizes a holistic approach to student success through a campus culture of health, resiliency, and well-being.”

Nominated colleges undergo an extensive review process, including multiple endorsements and applications. Award winners are assessed and selected by a panel of prominent researchers and health and higher education experts. Key criteria for selection include campuses that provide access to quality healthcare and that give mental health the same priority and investment as physical health. Research shows that investing in campus health leads to increased student engagement, retention, and success.

The 2018 Healthy Campus Awardees are: Arizona State University, Duke University (NC), Kent State University (OH), Jefferson Community College (NY), University of Oregon, University of South Carolina, and University of South Florida.

These schools offer a range of comprehensive and integrated health and mental health services. Several offer a full scope of wellness supports – including physical health services, counseling, mental health care, fitness programs, and sexual violence prevention education – at a single purpose-built center on campus. These schools work to ensure that students receive immediate access to needed services, and some provide 24-hour on-call services.

Other schools, in addition to the comprehensive services they provide, are engaging students in their mental health programs through advocacy, feedback, and peer education.

Register here for a webinar on May 24 at 2 pm ET to learn from this year’s Healthy Campus Award winners about their best practices and innovative strategies.

For more information about Active Minds, the Healthy Campus Awards, and the best-in-class programs of the award-winning colleges, please visit activeminds.org/award.

 
About Active Minds

Active Minds is the nation’s premier nonprofit for supporting mental health awareness and education for students. Through award-winning programs and services, Active Minds is empowering a new generation to change the conversation about mental health for everyone.

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