Westchester Community College Partners with JED Foundation

Westchester Community College has been officially designated as a JED Campus. We’re joining over 200 other colleges and universities by partnering with the JED foundation to support student mental health, emotional well-being, prevention of suicide, and prevention of substance misuse. JED was named after the late son of the founders of the organization.

The JED Foundation (JED) is the leading non-profit in higher education mental health and suicide prevention. JED Campuses embark on a four-year strategic partnership with JED that not only assesses and enhances the work that is already being done, but helps to create positive, systemic change in the campus community.

The expansion and development of the mental health services through the Personal Counseling Department, within the Student Life area, has been a notable achievement for Westchester Community College over the past few years. Becoming a JED Campus is a big step forward for the institution and a clear commitment to our values of empathy, respect, and diversity.

A Mental Health Task Force, chaired by Kristy Robinson and Pat Sheehan in the Personal Counseling Department, has been formed with the first meeting held on Friday, August 30, 2019. With leaders across campus committing to serve on this task force for a minimum of one academic year, the exciting journey of assessing and establishing a mental health strategic plan has begun.

We look forward to sharing more information with the campus about the initiatives and outcomes as a result of our partnership with the JED Foundation.  For more information on the partnership and the Westchester Community College Mental Health Task Force, please feel free to contact Kristy Robinson at [email protected]

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the most affordable tuition rates in New York State. WCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College Foundation

Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Through its fundraising and programmatic activities, the Foundation supports the college’s efforts to provide access to quality education and skills for success.