Dunn bill addressing access to mental health services on college campuses advances

TRENTON, N.J. – This year’s college experience looks a lot different – and it’s affecting
students’ mental well-being. Addressing increased stress, anxiety and depression on
campuses in New Jersey, the Assembly Higher Education Committee advanced a bill
connecting students to available mental health services.

“The college life that many had imagined was put on hold or cancelled. Campus
closures due to the coronavirus, restrictions on socializing and uncertainty about future
careers are wreaking havoc on students’ mental health,” said Assemblywoman Aura
Dunn, a prime sponsor of the legislation. “While we know that students are
experiencing more mental health disturbances, we also know they are not reaching
out for help when they are in crisis. We need to make sure they are aware of the
services that are available and they have that lifeline that is there any time they need
to talk to someone.”

Under the bill (A3007), higher education institutions in the state will be required to
ensure access to campus-based mental health care programs and services and
provide newly enrolled students with information on their location and availability
starting in the 2021-2022 academic year. Additionally, 24-hour toll-free telephone
hotlines must be advertised in dormitories, libraries and student centers.

“Providing information on mental health services in the beginning of the semester, when you are learning about how and where to access all the resources you need,
reduces some of the stigma surrounding seeking out psychological help,” said Dunn.
“Students will get information on everything from dental to mental. In order to prevent
potential tragedies, we want to normalize mental health care so that they feel
comfortable reaching out for help.”

Before the pandemic, Rowan University reported three suicides in just over two
months in fall of 2019. Last October, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
reported suicide had become the second leading cause of death among 10-to-24-year
olds. In August 2020, the CDC released a report on the pandemic’s effect on mental health that identified a disproportionate number of 18-to-24-year olds, about one-
quarter of those surveyed, had seriously considered suicide in the last 30 days.

“Coronavirus shutdowns and closures have prevented people from scheduling doctors’
appointments and put people into isolation, both of which carry consequences to one’s
health and well-being,” explained Dunn. “Mental health cannot wait. It has to be
convenient and easily accessible for the person in crisis and this bill will help meet this
timely need.”