Hinds community college spans a geographic area of five counties in mississippi and serves students enrolled in academic career or technical programs across six campuses

Hinds community college is the largest community college in the state and a minority serving institution. Many students come to hinds community college with issues that negatively impact their physical and mental health. Some of these issues stem from growing up in low income and or rural households where access to quality health and mental health care is extremely limited. Financial literacy previous or current substance use and mental health diagnosis are all challenges students face. We combat these challenges through a focus on social and emotional health advocacy and resource coordination through internal and external partnerships. This project aims to expand access to mental health services across all campuses by implementing a college wide substance abuse prevention program focusing on education prevention and treatment. Hinds community college will add two counselors who will focus on service provision including free and confidential counseling to students and employees who are personally struggling or affected by substance use. These services will include therapeutic groups and or peer support groups. Staff will promote eagle wellness by providing educational talks in the classrooms and facilitating opportunities for students and employees to participate in prevention events on campus to increase awareness. Pretest and posttest surveys will capture data and project effectiveness with those served through our mental health services department. Hinds community college will partner with outside agencies to assist in awareness prevention efforts resource provision and more intensive treatment options when needed.