Lindsey Wilson University receives U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant to support mental health

Lindsey Wilson University has received a $372,997 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support a student mental health initiative called Blue Raider CONNECT (Coordinated Outreach, Navigation, Network, Early identification, Crisis response and Treatment). The funding will allow the university to provide mental health support services to students at all of the school’s campuses.

According to an article on Lindsey Wilson University's website, Abe Cross, who serves as the university’s Assistant Dean of Students, was quoted as saying of grant funding, "This grant will help us create more opportunities to better identify and support Lindsey Wilson students who are experiencing mental health challenges, no matter if they are students on the A.P. White Campus in Columbia, attend one of our community campuses, are enrolled in online classes or are part of our hybrid program. Wherever our students are located, we want to be equipped to help meet their mental health needs so that they can remain focused on earning their Lindsey Wilson degree. Blue Raider CONNECT will give us a more solid framework to help students matriculate through the university's mental health network and support system. Blue Raider CONNECT will provide every Lindsey Wilson student access to a comprehensive mental health system. It's exciting that as the university continues to grow and expand, Blue Raider CONNECT will help support students' mental health needs. All students who call themselves a Blue Raider will be able to seek and receive support from Blue Raider CONNECT."

As the university continues to grow, there are more opportunities to help students in need of mental health support, such as with Blue Raider Connect. This year's student body has grown by 8% with a Fall 2026 enrollment of nearly 3,300 students. 

Tamara Coots, the university’s Director of Health Services, said, "The university will be able to improve the mental health resources offered to students, we will increase access to mental health resources available to students, we will expand treatment options offered to students, and we will be able to provide our students with more education about mental health.”

For more information about Lindsey Wilson University, visit the school’s website.