OHIO Healthy Minds survey guides JED Campus student mental health and well-being strategy

As a JED Campus, Ohio University is embarking on a multi-year strategic collaboration that will build on existing programs and services to help create positive, lasting systemic change in the areas of mental health and well-being. Through the JED Campus program, the University is provided with a framework for supporting student mental health, as well as assessment tools, feedback reports, a strategic plan and ongoing support from the JED Higher Education team.

OHIO’s JED Campus team is currently creating a strategic plan that will be centered around mental health and prioritizing well-being and help implement enhancements in these areas. Data from the Healthy Minds Study survey from the fall 2024 semester will help inform this plan.

“We recently completed an important step in the JED Campus process. Our JED Campus Advisor visited Ohio University in February to tour the campus, connect directly with students through focus groups, and collaborate with our JED Campus Team,” said Hali Burleson, senior project manager of JED. “Together, we reviewed the Healthy Minds survey data and began discussions that will inform the creation of a strategic plan centered on mental health and prioritizing well-being. The co-chairs and I want to recognize all the people so willing to help with this effort. We look forward to keeping you updated as we continue working to support the health and success of every student.”

Some highlights from the Healthy Minds survey include:

• 86% of students strongly agreed, agreed, or somewhat agreed that students' mental and emotional well-being is a priority at their school.
• 71% of Athens students reported being aware of mental health outreach efforts on their campus, such as educational programs, awareness events, anti-stigma campaigns, and screening days.
• 94% of students agreed or strongly agreed that they would willingly accept someone who has received mental health treatment as a close friend.

“We are excited to share that more than 2,800 students participated in our Healthy Minds survey, achieving the target response rates for both the Athens campus and our Regional Higher Education campuses,” said Burleson. “Your input is invaluable, and these results will help shape not only the JED initiatives, but also broader campus-wide prevention efforts focused on student well-being.”

For more information about student well-being and how to get involved, visit ohio.edu/well-being.

For more information about JED Campus, visit jedfoundation.org/our-work/higher-ed/ or see this video from the Jed Foundation.