Lilly Sponsors Plan to Raise Mental Health Awareness on College Campuses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – Students attending Illinois’ public universities and community colleges would receive additional mental health support and resources under a measure sponsored by state Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago.  

“Our college students face strenuous responsibilities when they are earning their degrees,” Lilly said. “I believe it is critical to increase mental health awareness on college campuses so our young adults can have the tools they need to handle the stress of being in a new environment combined with their academic work.”

Lilly is sponsoring House Bill 2152, which establishes the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. The act’s goal is to increase mental health awareness and close gaps in mental health services on campus by asking universities to develop student-to-student support programs for those living with mental health conditions. The bill also asks that universities form partnerships with local mental health service providers to increase students’ access to mental health services, particularly during high-stress times of the semester. Lilly believes this measure is a vital step toward prioritizing students’ mental and emotional well-being, as well as their academic success.

“It is important for our young people to have a support system in place to help them achieve success, both academically and in their personal relationships with others,” Lilly said. “College is a time for students to grow into adulthood, and our students should have sufficient resources available to help them cope with stress and uncertainty they face during this time.”