Kentucky Community and Technical College System Launches First-Ever Systemwide Mental Health & Wellness Week

Published on Mar 3, 2026

For the first time in its history, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is bringing together all 16 colleges and the System Office for a shared Mental Health & Wellness Week, creating one unified, systemwide experience focused on care, connection and community.

From March 2–6, 2026, students and employees across the Commonwealth will have access to five days of interactive events, creative activities and accessible support designed to strengthen well-being and normalize conversations around mental health.

This inaugural week was proposed by members of the KCTCS Mental Health Community of Practice and directly supports the goals outlined in KCTCS’s new systemwide Mental Health Strategy. That strategy, launched in partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED), The Healthy Minds Network and the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, represents a coordinated, data-informed approach to supporting more than 110,000 KCTCS students.

Results from the recent Healthy Minds Study conducted across all 16 KCTCS colleges underscore the importance of this work:

• 68% of students show signs of depression
• 66% report symptoms of anxiety
• Only 27% of students who screen positive are receiving therapy
• 86% report financial stress

Community college students often balance work, family and academic responsibilities, and many face 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 strengthening a true community of care across its campuses.

The KCTCS Mental Health Strategy focuses on six key areas, including 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. Mental Health & Wellness Week brings those priorities to life in visible, practical ways across the system.

“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 the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. “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.”