Building Momentum: Collaborative Solutions for State-Level Student Mental Health

Abstract

The mental health crisis in higher education is a systemic challenge requiring coordinated action at national, state, and institutional levels. The SHEEO-JED Mental Health and Wellness Learning Community, launched by the State Higher Education Officers Association (SHEEO) and The Jed Foundation (JED) in the fall of 2023, brought together state higher education leaders, institutional leaders, practitioners, and other stakeholders to address the growing student mental health needs. This collaborative initiative is built on the ongoing national conversation around mental health in the post-pandemic landscape, emphasizing the need to integrate mental health support into every aspect of the educational experience. By focusing on both system-level and state-level policy interventions, the SHEEO-JED Mental Health and Wellness Learning Community seeks to create a sustainable framework for student well-being that addresses both acute needs and long-term challenges. This report provides an overview of the initiatives and insights from states participating in the inaugural SHEEO-JED Student Mental Health and Wellness Learning Community, highlighting how these collaborative efforts are shaping the future of mental health policy in higher education. From leveraging federal resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to implementing state-specific frameworks that align mental health with student success, these strategies represent a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis in meaningful and sustainable ways.