Bucks County Community College has earned the state’s PA CARES designation for the 2026-27 academic year in recognition for its efforts to implement plans to support students’ mental health and to prevent suicide.
Granted by state education officials, the annual designation acknowledges colleges that meet specific benchmarks for campus safety, early intervention, and mental health awareness. College officials say the funding and framework will further strengthen on-campus student services.
The PA CARES designation—which stands for Connect, Access, Respond, Encourage, Support—recognizes BCCC as a leader in implementing the state’s Act 110 mental health framework.
The statewide honor comes amid growing concern over student wellness. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death on American college campuses, according to Prevent Suicide PA researchers. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates 1,100 lives nationwide each year.
“It is critical that institutions of higher learning proactively identify and implement policies, practices, and strategies for addressing mental health issues and preventing student suicide,” said Lynette Kuhn, Ed.D., deputy secretary and commissioner for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
“We recognize that student mental health plays a vital role in academic progress and personal wellbeing,” said Samuel Coleman IV, Ed.D., Vice President of Student Affairs. “Bucks County Community College provides resources to support our campus community through a variety of challenges.”
The college’s Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan includes warning signs, risk factors of suicide, how to access the college’s counseling services, local and national resources for suicide prevention, and much more. The full plan can be accessed at bucks.edu/preventionplan.