Event to bring awareness to mental health struggles faced by campus community
By Siobhan Houghton
The Disability Services Office of KU plans to host its first-ever World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be open to the campus community and will take place on the lawn outside of the MSU.
DSO is partnering with departments around campus including the Multicultural Center, the Health and Wellness Center, and Public Safety to bring awareness to mental health struggles that students, staff and faculty face. The event will include information about the various mental health services on campus, different self-care activities, and education on mental health issues.
World Mental Health Day is part of larger, global efforts organized by the World Health Organization. The WHO website states they aim to “ensure mental health is valued, promoted, and protected,” by emphasizing the importance of mental health care as a “basic human right.”
Megan Rutter, the organizer of the event and Assistant Director for Special Programs with DSO, stated, “Mental health issues are important to talk about, to have spaces on campus that mention it, and for students to know that it’s something that we’re here to help with.”
Students who need immediate assistance with mental health issues can reach out to the Health and Wellness Center, Public Safety as well as a trusted staff or faculty member.
