In a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the region, Dayton’s leading health systems and universities have joined forces to tackle the rising mental health challenges facing young adults. On Friday, Oct. 10, which is also World Mental Health Day, they launched a college-age intensive outpatient program, which gives local college students access to stronger mental health support while continuing their studies.
The partnership includes Kettering Health, Premier Health and Dayton Children’s Hospital working alongside Kettering College, Wright State University, Sinclair College and the University of Dayton.
The program positions the Dayton region as a leader in healthcare and higher education systems, filling a critical gap in healthcare by focusing on the specific needs of undergraduate college students ages 18 to 24. The program's structure and evening hours are tailored to allow students the flexibility to continue their progress toward their degrees while getting critical mental health treatment.
“While UD offers a number of mental health support services on campus, some students require more specialized care than traditional outpatient therapy,” Holly Harmon, director of the UD Counseling Center said. “In the past, students needing this level of care often faced the difficult choice between trying to stay in school or taking a medical withdrawal to receive more intensive treatment. The partnership among Kettering Health, Premier, Dayton Children's and local Universities looks to change this in our region.
“This program is also a seamless fit into the UD Step Care Model, with a focus on providing holistic support to our students.”
Allowing students to remain enrolled while receiving necessary treatment mitigates the risk of students "stopping out" with debt but no degree, improves long-term outcomes in salary and other social determinants of health, and maintains their sense of belonging and connection to campus support services.
“Our Catholic and Marianist mission calls us to educate and support the whole person — mind, body and spirit,” said Eric F. Spina, University of Dayton president. “We know being well in mind and body is critical to our students’ ability to excel and succeed in and out of the classroom.”
The program will start seeing patients Oct. 20 at the Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center on Lamme Road in Moraine.
“Never before have all these institutions worked together on a project,” Spina emphasized. “This collaboration showcases the commitment to our community’s future and the well-being of students, potentially giving them the tools to remain in school and become citizens who thrive.”