Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC News) — As National Mental Health Awareness week began on Monday, Syracuse University took its own initiative to help raise awareness on campus.
Starting with a four-hour Health Hub on the campus quad, the school has numerous events planned throughout the week.
“There’s going to be events at the quad, there’s going to be events at the Barnes Center,” said Ellen Mbuqe, Syracuse University’s Director of News and Public Relations. “There’s also a concert at Hendrick’s Chapel on Thursday.”
This week comes as Americans continually struggle with mental health issues. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, more than 46 million Americans try to grapple with a mental illness. However, only 41 percent of them get the help they need.
Through all of the events, which are free and open to anyone in the campus community, Mbuqe hopes people who are fighting realize that they’re not alone.
“It’s okay to not be okay,” Mbuqe said. “People need to know that they’re not alone and that we need to stop the stigma around mental health and also know how to reach out to people.”
Aside from the events, there will also be continual access to amenities available all school year. This includes pet therapy, access to the Crowley Mindspa, and drop-in sessions at the Counseling Center.
