Gov. Tony Evers toured 51ΑΤΖζβs Student Health and Wellness Center on Wednesday morning as part of his efforts to spotlight the importance of mental health care.
Evers, who has declared 2023 the year of mental health, was greeted by 51ΑΤΖζ Chancellor Mark Mone and other campus leaders, including Dr. Aamir Siddiqi, 51ΑΤΖζβs campus health officer and the wellness centerβs executive director. Evers also met with several 51ΑΤΖζ students as part of his visit.
Siddiqi provided Evers with an overview of the health centerβs medical and counseling services during the walkthrough of the Northwest Quad facilities. Evers learned about several wellness initiatives, such as 51ΑΤΖζβs new Mindful Space, a tranquil setting designed to help people relax and rejuvenate.
Health center personnel shared some of the challenges they face in making sure studentsβ needs are met, which are often rooted in limited resources and available clinicians. In the last year alone, the center conducted more than 7,500 counseling sessions and provided services to more than 1,500 students, which represents 6.4% of the student population.
βStudents on our campuses absolutely need to have the services that youβre all providing,β Evers said.
The health center recently expanded its mental health services for students, adding teletherapy appointments on evenings and weekends. 51ΑΤΖζ students also have access to a new mental health support line that is staffed around the clock.
