Temple University recently hosted a recognition event spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), accrediting 15 postsecondary institutions across the state for their strides in bolstering student mental health and suicide prevention efforts. The commendation ceremony, part of the PA CARES initiative, spotlighted schools that are deemed exemplary in providing supportive environments and resources aimed at helping students succeed mentally and emotionally.
According to the official announcement, Dr. Lynette Kuhn, PDE Deputy Secretary of Postsecondary and Higher Education, celebrated the recognized institutions for their proactive engagement; her words underscored the collective accountability in fostering environments where students do not merely struggle through academia but find avenues to thrive, "It is everyone's responsibility to collaborate, cooperate, and connect to ensure Pennsylvania's postsecondary students have access to safe and supportive learning environments, and the PA CARES initiative recognizes the school communities that are doing the work day in and day out," she stated.
Several dignitaries took part in praising the efforts of these educational bastions, with representatives from both the PDE and institutions such as Temple University in attendance. Lisa Balsamo from PDE, Rose Milani of DHS, Dr. Rachael Stark representing Temple as the Assistant Vice President for Student Advocacy, Dr. Andrew Lee, Director of Tuttleman Counseling Services, and Temple's own Angela Cirelli who juggles roles as a Certified Peer Educator and WRC Mental Well-Being Program Assistant were among the voices championing the initiative.
Additionally, providing a perspective from outside the educational sphere, Martha Sanchez, Director of Policy at The Jed Foundation, made an appearance offering insights from an organization deeply rooted in protecting emotional health and preventing suicide for teens and young adults David Stewart from PDE also weighed in, reflecting the department's role in orchestrating the PA CARES campaign and its integral vision for higher education in Pennsylvania.
