2023 has been a year that has seen a lot of progress when it comes to mental health. The once taboo subject is starting to become openly discussed in homes and schools alike. More specifically, the beginning of the year saw an unprecedented program announced: Unapologetically Free (UF) by the United Negro College Fund, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), and the Steve Fund. The idea behind the proposal was to address the mental health crisis on the campus of HBCUs across the country.
Quick context – What are HBCUs?
There are 107 colleges in the United States that are officially recognized as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by the US Department of Education. They were established centuries ago, with the primary mission of educating Black students. Throughout the years, HBCUs have remained relatively small, but some have become big institutions with big names. Though they were originally founded for the Black community, HBCUs now enroll students of all races.
Why is Mental Health Important?
Mental health is health, and this means that it is as important as anything health related. It permeates anything and everything you do in life, and having good mental health brings numerous benefits. For HBCUs mental health is just as important. A survey conducted by the UNCF and the Steve Fund found that 60% of HBCU students met the criteria for one or more mental health problems. HBCU students face unique stressors, such as struggles with identity, trauma, violence or systemic oppressions. Another study by the American Psychological Association mentions that many Black students experience oppression on campuses, negatively impacting their academic, social and personal growth.
So, mental health is important because of its deep impact on students’ academic success and personal development. Mental health directly influences academic performance, and addressing mental health concerns ensures students have the capacity to focus, learn, and excel in their studies. Contrary to that, bad mental health poses further challenges and obstacles to HBCU students in the country. Not to mention the fact that HBCUs often serve as close-knit communities where students can build connections and begin their networking. Prioritizing mental health creates a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and support, and encourages the community to tackle the cultural stigma surrounding mental health.
Besides the burden on mental health caused by identity and trauma, a common issue is financial stress. Financial stressors have been proven to impede access and completion of higher education, as shown by the 2016 study “Too Stressed to Persist to Graduation: Accessing Financial Aid at a Historically Black University (HBU) in Texas.” The lack of generational wealth for some Black students further increases the stress of finding funds with which to pay for their education.
So, what are HBCUs doing about it?
As we mentioned previously, the UNCF, Steve Fund, and Thurgood Marshall College Fund have come together with the objective of training faculty and staff on mental health issues in order to develop culturally specific mental health resources. Dr. Michael L. Lomax, CEO and UNCF President, stated that the Unapologetically Free initiative “offers our entire Black higher education community an opportunity to learn from participating Black colleges while enhancing the practices that make our students free to focus on their well-being.”
Affordable Health with Spelman College
More and more HBCUs have increased their awareness of mental health. A fantastic example is Spelman College. This institution has dedicated its efforts to designing different ways in which they can help Spelman students. Spelman College offers Student Health and Wellness Services, and they make sure students know that nothing is unimportant for the school. From managing anxiety, nutrition, women’s services, to allergies or sniffles, Spelman College’s goal is to help students successfully manage their personal and academic life. Additionally, they recognize the importance of financial stress, and make sure that any charge for medical services through their department of Student Health Services are included in tuition or their Student Health Insurance Plan. Students don’t have to worry about expenses getting in the way of their health!
Xavier University’s Pioneer Take on Confidentiality
But Spelman College is not the only HBCU that knows the importance of mental health awareness. Xavier University is another giant when it comes to taking care of its students’ mental health needs. Like Spelman, Xavier University has the mission of bettering the health and wellbeing of the university’s community, and focuses on accessibility when doing so. Xavier has an array of services, including Health Services, Counseling Services, Student Advocacy and Student Wellbeing Services. While you might be familiar with health and counseling services, it’s the Student Advocacy Services that we want to highlight! XU’s Confidential Advocacy and Support is a unique proposal that allows students to get access to immediate help, and by offering confidential support they empower students to not let anything get in their way of asking for support. They emphasize the fact that the Campus Advocacy Coordinator is a confidential resource, and students don’t need to worry about the coordinator sharing personal information with the University.
Xavier University’s CAC services include Immediate Support, such as options, rights, resources and referrals for a person seeking support in a safe place: Housing; Medical Support, with which students can ask to be accompanied to medical appointments, testing, and exams; Safety Planning; which includes developing a safety plan based on the survivor’s specific needs; academic services, such as assistance and extensions; University support: and Legal. As if that were not incredible as it is, students that need after-hours support can call or text the Xavier University Women Helping Women’s 24 Hour Crisis Line! Xavier University stands as a role model for HBCUs across the nation. They understand that students’ lives can be more complicated than you’d suspect, and make sure to offer support in any and all areas possible. Xavier University doesn’t just stay there, they go above and beyond for their students. Trust us, you will soon see more of them on our blog.
We see you, Xavier U, and we applaud you.
Exercise is Medicine at Winston-Salem State University
Let us introduce you to the Wellness Trail. You might be asking” “Wellness Trail? What is that?” and we understand. This is such an innovative idea by WSSU that it’s easy to be confused because chances are it hasn’t been done before! WSSU states that Health and Wellness is one of their goals, and an incredible way in which they offer students a break from their day, exercise and some peace of mind. The Wellness Trail is quite literally what it sounds like, a trail! It’s a 1.1 mile trail with some variation in elevation to get your heart pumping.
WSSU even has a table that tells students how long it will take to walk the Wellness Trail and how many calories you’ll burn while at it. They have thought of everything and made it so easy for students to break the paradigm of usual mental health activities and, at the same time, get their heart rate up. Walking is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to exercise, and if you go with friends, hang out and have fun. WSSU sees exercise as medicine, and it is. Whether that is physical or mental health, exercise does help. Their offers include Headspace Care (Ginger). This is an app where you can find confidential healthcare via text-based chats, self-guided activities, video-based therapy and psychiatry 24/7. Additionally, WSSU’s Wellness Center offers health, pharmacy and counseling services. They also tackle substance abuse concerns, taking their students’ wellbeing as a front and center priority.
It Concerns Us All
The mental health crisis in America concerns all of us, and it affects individuals from all backgrounds and communities. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have emerged as pioneers in championing mental health awareness and support in communities that otherwise would not be as acknowledged as others. By recognizing the significance of mental health, these institutions are empowering their students with innovative services and resources tailored to their specific cultural needs. Through a supportive environment and holistic approach, HBCUs are paving the way for a broader conversation about mental health on campus. We have seen how everyone adds their efforts and the mental health movement is becoming more powerful across the nation. Their commitment not only cultivates resilient individuals within their campuses, but also sets a powerful example for educational institutions nationwide. As mental health awareness continues to gain momentum, the initiatives by HBCUs serve as a role model, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health concerns collectively and advocating for a more inclusive and supportive society for all of us.
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