• Winter Storm Watch - Click for Details
    ...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE WEDNESDAY NIGHT...
    Effective: February 12, 2025 @ 6:00am
    Expires: February 13, 2025 @ 3:00am
    WHAT
    Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 8 inches possible.
    WHERE
    Portions of north central, northwest, and west central Illinois and east central, northeast, and southeast Iowa.
    WHEN
    From Wednesday morning through late Wednesday night.
    IMPACTS
    Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
    ADDITIONAL DETAILS
    North winds 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up 25 mph may cause some blowing and drifting snow, especially on east-west roads.
    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
    Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Illinois Community Colleges Receive $3.6M Boost for Student Mental Health Services

SHARE NOW

In a significant move to address mental health challenges among students, the Illinois Community College Board has allocated over $3.6 million to 32 community colleges across the state. This funding aims to enhance mental health services, bridge gaps in care, and support underserved student populations. With nearly 70% of college students nationwide reporting mental health struggles, this investment is timely. Colleges like Black Hawk College, College of Lake County, and Harold Washington College are among the recipients, each receiving up to $120,000. The funds will be used to expand peer support programs, increase partnerships, and develop reimbursement procedures for mental health services, ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed both academically and personally.

“We know many college students nationwide face mental health challenges. A recent U.S. News survey revealed nearly 70% of college students report struggling with their mental health. This investment will help community colleges better meet the needs of students outside the classroom, contributing to their success in the classroom, said ICCB executive director Brian Durham.

A 2023 Healthy Minds Study surveyed 800 campuses across the country and found that 41% of college students screened positive for clinically significant symptoms of depression and 1 in 3 college students screened positive for anxiety.

These Illinois community colleges applied for and are receiving MHEAC funding this fiscal year.

Grant Recipient Amount
Black Hawk College $119,967
College of Lake County $120,000
Harold Washington College $120,000
Harry S. Truman College $120,000
Heartland Community College $119,890
Highland Community College $119,151
Illinois Central College $119,796
Joliet Jr. College $120,000
Kankakee Community College $120,000
Kaskaskia College $120,000
Kennedy-King College $119,847
Kishwaukee College $40,000
Lake Land College $71,295
Lincoln Land Community College $120,000
Malcolm X College $120,000
McHenry County College $118,788
Moraine Valley Community College $120,000
Morton College $120,000
Oakton College $100,280
Olive-Harvey College $119,968
Parkland College $119,710
Rend Lake College $54,524
Richard J. Daley College $119,995
Richland Community College $120,000
Rock Valley College $120,000
Sauk Valley Community College $120,000
South Suburban College $120,000
Southwestern Illinois College $120,000
Spoon River College $105,600
Triton College $120,000
Wilbur Wright College $120,000
William Rainey Harper College $119,699
Total Allocations $3,608,510

All colleges receiving funds will use them in at least one of four ways:

  • Develop and expand peer support programs.
  • Expand the number of students served through local partnerships
  • Develop and expand mental health services targeting service gaps, emphasizing underserved students.
  • Develop Medicaid and other reimbursement procedures for mental health services.

Submit a Comment