(© Can Stock Photo / robwilson39)(© Can Stock Photo / robwilson39)
Windsor

St. Clair College, U of W to get $729K for mental health

The Ontario government has pledged funding for two local postsecondary institutions as support for mental health initiatives.

The University of Windsor, and St. Clair College in Windsor and Chatham will get a combined $729,389 to help increase mental health and addiction support for students. With mental health challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, the two schools can use the funding to increase the number of mental health workers and programs, and immediately expand access for students to the provincial mental health and addictions system."

The funding was announced this week by Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano, and Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls.

"We know that college and university can be a stressful time for our students and that the COVID-19 outbreak has only increased the impact on their mental health," said Romano. "That is why we are investing more in mental health services to better meet student needs, creating the best conditions possible for students to achieve their goals."

St. Clair College President Patti France says the support is more vital than ever.

"The incidence of debilitating stress and depression affecting young people has been escalating almost annually, and it has unfortunately been exacerbated by the pandemic," said France. "We plan to significantly expand our support services to students with this new provincial funding."

The money is part of the provincial government's $26.25-million investment for mental health initiatives over the 2020-2021 academic year. Nicholls said the conversation about mental health has become more important than ever before.

"Mental health has now become an everyday topic as we slowly work to destigmatize these conversations," said Nicholls. "This funding will further help those in need and is especially useful in the high stress environments of post-secondary schools."

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