Advocates call on Ont. government to implement integrated mental health strategy for students

A report from the College Student Alliance, the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance, Colleges Ontario and the Council of Ontario Universities recommends that the provincial government undertake the following:

• An update to Ontario's Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy to recognize post-secondary students as a distinct group;
• Collaborations between post-secondary institutions and healthcare and community groups to implement a plan for students with mental health concerns;
• Expanded use of technology in delivering mental health programs to students;
• Free mental health care for students - on and off campus - funded by OHIP; and
• Government investment in transition programing for high school students as they prepare to enter post-secondary.

The report concludes that an integrated, "whole of community" approach is necessary to address student mental health, adding that initiatives should include mandatory curriculum to teach resiliency, an early-warning system throughout all levels of education and counselling.