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October is Mental Health Awareness Month at 5X���� and Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day, allowing the university to reaffirm its commitment to providing mental health and wellness services for everyone on campus including faculty, staff and students. 

It has already been a year since Kent State launched its highly anticipated Mental Health Campaign “Reduce the Stigma. Seek Help. Refer a Flash.” While student mental health is still important, this year faculty and staff will be the focus. 

“It has the same purpose as last year, but we recognize that last year was very student-focused and we wanted to shift the focus for our employees this year,” said Madison Massey, coordinator of employee wellness. “Recognizing that we do not forget about our students but making sure that the employees know they are supported in that way too.” 

While not consistent with the calendar, Kent State chose October because the need for mental health support peaks during the month.

Supervisors and leadership have been reaching out for resources for their employees. 

“Unfortunately, we have seen an uptick, but that is a good thing because they are utilizing those resources,” Massey said. “Luckily, we do have a lot of resources here at Kent State that can help employees in whatever they’re struggling with.” 

Faith Sheaffer-Polen, director of training and professional development with Kent State’s Division of People, Culture and Belonging, knows firsthand that Kent State has great wellness and mental health resources. And, she has not been shy about sharing with new employees during their orientation how the resources have helped her family deal with challenging issues.  

Here is Sheaffer-Polen speaking with Kent State Today about her experiences with the employee assistance program IMPACT Solutions. The IMPACT Solutions program can assist with problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, child and eldercare needs, marital concerns or substance abuse. They can also help with financial, legal or identity theft issues. All resources are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   

Resources for Employees

In addition to IMPACT Solutions, employees have access to a plethora of Wellness Resources including a physician-owned wellness partner, Be Well Solutions. Other partnerships and resources include:

• A network of Employee Wellness Ambassadors.
• The Fit for Life program through the College of Health and Human Services.  
• A Guide to Campus Resources. 
• Move Communities and Maps.
• The Flexible Work Arrangement policy. 

Resources for Students

For students, Kent State of Well-Being held its kickoff for Mental Health Awareness Month in September with a wellness fair in the Design Innovation Hub, according to Meghan Factor-Page, associate director of Kent State of Well-Being. But there are many other activities and workshops including: 

• Anxiety Toolbox Workshop Series to help students manage anxiety from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Oct. 11 at Van Campen Hall. Open to students from all campuses. Registration required. Register Here.
• Silencing Your Inner Critic Virtual Workshop to help students reduce self-criticism and improve self-compassion from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Oct. 15. Register Here.

There is also Kent State’s CARES Center, an acronym that stands for Crisis, Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support. The center helps students meet their basic needs, including food and housing support.

Access Kent State’s mental health and wellness resources. 

Learn more about the employee assistance program, IMPACT Solutions.