VERSAILLES, Ky. (WEVV) — For the first time in its history, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is uniting all 16 colleges and the System Office for a shared Mental Health & Wellness Week, creating a unified, systemwide experience centered on care, connection and community.
From March 2–6, 2026, students and employees across the Commonwealth will participate in five days of interactive events, creative activities and accessible support services aimed at strengthening overall well-being and normalizing conversations around mental health.
The inaugural initiative was proposed by members of the KCTCS Mental Health Community of Practice and directly supports the goals outlined in the system’s new Mental Health Strategy. The strategy was launched in partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED), The Healthy Minds Network and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. It represents a coordinated, data-informed approach to supporting more than 110,000 KCTCS students statewide.
Data from the recent Healthy Minds Study conducted across all 16 KCTCS colleges highlights the urgency of the effort. According to the study, 68% of students show signs of depression and 66% report symptoms of anxiety. Despite those numbers, only 27% of students who screen positive are currently receiving therapy. Additionally, 86% of students report experiencing financial stress.
Community college students often juggle academic responsibilities alongside jobs, family obligations and, in some cases, food insecurity, housing instability or limited access to medical care. Mental Health & Wellness Week reflects KCTCS’s commitment to meeting students where they are and fostering a comprehensive community of care across its campuses.
The KCTCS Mental Health Strategy focuses on six key areas: survey-informed interventions, faculty and staff training, early-alert guidance, mental health communication campaigns, peer wellness programs and expanded services supported by grants and partnerships. Organizers say Mental Health & Wellness Week brings those priorities to life in visible and practical ways.
“When we prioritize mental health and overall well-being, we help students stay focused on earning the credentials that can change their lives,” said Ryan Quarles, president of KCTCS. “Many of our students are balancing work, family responsibilities and even food insecurity while pursuing their education. By reducing stigma and making support accessible, we remove barriers to completion, strengthen student success and invest in Kentucky’s workforce and economy.”
For more information about Mental Health & Wellness Week and KCTCS’s Mental Health Strategy, visit kctcs.edu.
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