Bridging the Gap: Mental Health Support for Students
By Kaylee Fullington & Alejandro Rojas
On October 10th, Rancho Chaffey campus hosted a World Mental Health Day event in the quad, offering a variety of supportive services for students and families facing mental health challenges. The event, held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. brought together local resource centers dedicated to helping those dealing with a current or ongoing crisis.
Chaffey’s quad buzzed with activity as students visited booths set up by organizations across the Inland Empire. Attendees were welcomed into the rushing atmosphere with music and treated to free pizza after exploring the wealth of health services provided.
Many of the participating organizations offer both in-person and online support, ensuring that students and residents across California have access to mental health resources at no cost. These programs provide much-needed aid for anyone seeking assistance, whether they are in an immediate crisis or simply looking for ongoing support.
A key aspect of the event was the variety of mental health programs available for students and California residents. Valenta, an outpatient program offering online services, holds a major presence in providing immediate mental health care for individuals more comfortable receiving care from home.
Charlie Health, another outpatient service program, was also in attendance at the event. This source of online care specializes in personalized mental health treatments for teens, young adults and families as they are striving to offer support for younger generations.
Organizations like House of Ruth, dedicated to addressing domestic violence, provided resources for individuals seeking safety and support. House of Ruth guides people into a feeling of empowerment in order to build healthy relationships, while envisioning a future free of domestic violence. This booth focused on raising awareness and offering assistance to those who might be in vulnerable situations.
Partners Against Violence, another participant, highlighted their services for incarcerated survivors of sexual assault. Their goal is to ensure that survivors, even those behind bars, are given access to any type of required health support. Offering services in both English and Spanish, Partners Against Violence provides survivors and their families with a safe and cost-free environment to heal.
Local government programs like the San Bernardino Behavioral Health Department offer further resources for anyone facing an immediate or ongoing mental health crisis. The booth emphasized their 24/7 availability to provide care, ensuring that no one feels isolated during a time of need.
An essential booth for students was organized by the Stars Behavioral Health Group as they solely focus on providing resources for transitional aged youth (TAY) between the ages of 16 and 25. Stars not only strives in providing mental health services, but also offers educational and career support, helping young people find stability in multiple areas of their lives.
These organizations are not only dedicated to providing care, but are always endlessly seeking volunteers to help expand their reach. From offering a helping hand at events like Rancho Chaffey’s Mental Health Day, to supporting ongoing outreach efforts, volunteering is a simple way to give back to our distressed community and help those in need.
Events like World Mental Health Day highlight the importance of accessible mental health resources, particularly for students balancing the pressures of academia and personal life. Whether searching for immediate or long-term support, the organizations at this year’s event showcased a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of the Inland Empire’s diverse population, ensuring that no one has to face their challenges alone.