The topic of mental health issues on college campuses is a concern for many individuals, including politicians, parents, pundits and journalists. In fact, it’s a subject that has gained significant attention in recent years, with various opinions on how to address it. As part of The Mental Health Collaborative project, nine college newsrooms in North Carolina came together to report on and share coverage of mental health issues affecting students at their universities. This project was supported by funding from the Solutions Journalism Network and more information can be found on their website.
In a discussion with three journalists involved in producing and editing stories for The Mental Health Collaborative, Leoneda Inge shed light on the importance of addressing mental health issues on college campuses. Emmy Martin, Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Tar Heel and project lead for The Mental Health Collaborative, Rosegalie Cineus, Editor-in-Chief of The A&T Register at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and Emily Vespa, Managing Editor at Technician at NC State University all brought their own perspectives and experiences to the conversation.
Each journalist highlighted the need for open communication and collaboration when discussing mental health issues on college campuses. It’s clear that this topic requires attention from all stakeholders in order to effectively support students and promote overall wellbeing. As the media industry continues to play a crucial role in raising awareness about these issues, projects like The Mental Health Collaborative are helping to bring together resources and expertise to make a difference in the lives of students across North Carolina.
