MGA Launches “Be Well” Mental Health Support To Students

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, January 11, 2021 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Health and Natural Sciences | School of Computing | School of Education and Behavioral Sciences | Pressroom | Athletics | School of Business | School of Aviation | Students | School of Arts and Letters

Macon, GA

In partnership with the University System of Georgia, Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is significantly expanding mental health services to students. 

As part of a new initiative called BeWell@MGA, the University will introduce the expanded services as spring semester 2021 gets underway. The services will include, among other things, access to a new app and an online wellness publication with self-help resources and more; virtual psychiatric services that can provide mental health assessments and medication management; and a 24/7 support line for students who need support dealing with mental stresses.

MGA is getting project funding through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER Fund) that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced last summer. Under the GEER Fund, which was established through the federal CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Education awards grants to state governors for the purpose of providing local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other education-related entities with emergency assistance to help deal with the COVID pandemic.

“The pandemic has been hard on most Americans, and college students are among those experiencing more stress, anxiety, and depression,” said Dr. Jennifer Brannon, MGA’s vice president for Student Affairs. “We have been and continue to be in awe of the resiliency of our students who are determined to keep working on their degrees despite the added mental and emotional burdens. MGA is grateful for this generous funding that will help us help our students.”

In a recent survey overseen by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, more than half of the college students who participated reported feeling at least some anxiety related to the pandemic. Some 21 percent described themselves as feeling very anxious.* 

BeWell@MGA services will be provided in cooperation with Christie Campus Health, a 24/7 hotline and wellbeing support program. In partnership with Christie Campus Health and the Jed Foundation, the University System is also developing a long-term model to help its 26 institutions continue to offer enhanced mental health services.

The BeWell@MGA initiative does not replace the University’s longstanding Counseling Services office but gives students additional resources to help them address mental and emotional health issues.

Students can learn more about BeWell@MGA at mga.edu/bewell.  

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