Acting Governor Tahesha Way Signs Mental Health Bill at Kean
Surrounded by Kean University students and administrators, state and local legislators, and advocates, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed a bill at Kean University today that strengthens mental health support for New Jersey college students.
The new law builds on the “Madison Holleran Suicide Prevention Act” and requires annual suicide prevention training for faculty, staff and peer leaders; an annual mental health public awareness campaign on campuses throughout the state; and assessment and response plans to get mental health resources to struggling students.
“The pressure and stress many students experience during college can exacerbate mental health challenges they may already be facing,” Way said. “Equipping campus staff to recognize the signs of depression and suicidal ideation and understand how to help students in crisis will undoubtedly save lives. Our Administration will continue to work towards Governor Murphy’s goal of addressing the mental health of young people throughout our state by providing the resources and supports they need.”
Way signed the bill at Kean as Governor Phil Murphy leads a delegation, which includes Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., on a nine-day economic mission in East Asia.
Kean Deputy Chief of Staff T. Itunu Balogun told the audience at Kean Hall that the University is forward-thinking about prioritizing student mental health, noting practices aimed at increasing access to services, preventing suicide, reducing domestic violence and addressing food insecurity. A new initiative, the Vitality Index, is designed to facilitate data-informed decisions about student and employee well-being.
“The University continues to expand mental health resources for students, including the addition of the round-the-clock mental health platform Uwill and professional development for employees to meet students’ needs,” Balogun said. “We strive to create a culture of care for our campus community.”
Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges, Ph.D., said the Murphy administration “continues to resoundingly and comprehensively respond to the needs of our students.”
“The reality of this issue in the college context is that students are facing many more stresses than in the days and years past,” Bridges said. “Regardless of life’s circumstances, everyone should have access to opportunities and support to see their potential fulfilled, and that includes making sure that students know their mental health matters.”
State Senator Joseph P. Cryan and Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, who both sponsored the bill, along with Matt Camarda, advocacy and public policy director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New Jersey, also spoke at the bill signing. Assemblyman Rev. Reginald W. Atkins and Union Mayor Manuel Figueiredo were among those in attendance.
Cryan introduced Sean and Pauline Quinn, who lost their daughter Aileen to suicide in 2018 and now advocate for mental health services for college students. Jasey reminded the audience to turn off social media and have face-to-face interactions with young people to build community and their sense of belonging.
The message resonated with Kean graduate student Delia Latini ’23, of Oakland in Camden County, who is getting her master’s in public administration.
“Kean University students are not a typical demographic,” Latini said. “I know a lot of people who are working multiple jobs to pay tuition and keep food on the table and have long commutes to school. It's always been that we're really passionate about our education, but we just need that extra level of support. I'm very excited to see the support that not only Kean students can receive but also students across New Jersey.”
Kean students have access to 24/7/365 telehealth counseling through the Uwill program. Nationwide round-the-clock crisis intervention is available through the 9-8-8 Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention hotline.
