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DeSantis Highlights Florida's Commitment to Student Mental Health

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/23 .. orida-s-commitment-to-student-mental-health.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 0:49 GMT by KUTV
      Locales: Florida, UNITED STATES

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo made a significant appearance at Palm Beach State College today, Monday, February 23rd, 2026, to spotlight and reinforce the state's growing commitment to student health and wellness, with a particular and sustained focus on mental health support.

The visit wasn't simply a photo opportunity; it represented a deeper dive into initiatives already underway and a promise of continued investment in addressing the rising mental health challenges facing college students across Florida. Governor DeSantis, addressing students and faculty, underscored the belief that a holistic approach to education must include comprehensive support for both academic and personal wellbeing. "We want to make sure that our students have the tools they need to thrive, both academically and personally," DeSantis stated. "Addressing mental health challenges is a critical part of that."

A State-Wide Crisis Demands Attention

While the focus was on Palm Beach State College today, the Governor's remarks implicitly acknowledged a statewide issue. The demand for mental health services on college campuses has surged in recent years, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic anxieties, and increasing societal pressures. Data released last year by the Florida Department of Education indicated a 35% increase in reported mental health concerns among college students compared to pre-pandemic levels. This rise has placed a significant strain on existing campus counseling services, often leading to long wait times and limited access to care.

The DeSantis administration appears to be responding with a multi-pronged approach. Beyond simply acknowledging the problem, officials have been steadily increasing funding for mental health programs within the state university and college system. This funding is intended to bolster counseling services, expand telehealth options, and provide training for faculty and staff to recognize and respond to students in distress.

Dr. Ladapo, during the roundtable discussion, expanded on this preventative care aspect. He emphasized the importance of early intervention and destigmatizing mental health struggles. "We're shifting the conversation from reacting to crises to proactively promoting mental wellbeing," Dr. Ladapo explained. "This means investing in programs that build resilience, teach coping mechanisms, and encourage students to seek help before a problem escalates." He alluded to upcoming state-level campaigns designed to normalize conversations around mental health, particularly targeting young men who are statistically less likely to seek support.

Partnership with Educational Institutions: A Key Strategy

Today's visit to Palm Beach State College exemplifies the administration's strategy of forging strong partnerships with local educational institutions. Palm Beach State, like many community colleges, often serves a diverse student population facing unique challenges, including financial hardship, food insecurity, and the pressures of balancing work, family, and education. These factors can significantly contribute to mental health struggles.

The Governor specifically praised Palm Beach State's existing initiatives, including its peer counseling program and its partnerships with local mental health providers. The administration plans to use Palm Beach State as a model for other colleges and universities across the state, replicating successful programs and sharing best practices.

Beyond Counseling: A Holistic View of Wellbeing

The conversation wasn't limited to traditional counseling services. The First Lady, Casey DeSantis, highlighted the importance of fostering a supportive campus environment that prioritizes overall wellbeing. She spoke about the need for increased access to recreational activities, healthy food options, and opportunities for students to connect with their communities. "Resilience isn't built in a vacuum," she stated. "It's fostered through strong relationships, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of belonging."

The administration also signaled potential support for programs that address the underlying social determinants of mental health, such as poverty, housing insecurity, and food access.

The visit underscores that Florida is taking a proactive stance on student mental health. While challenges remain, the increased funding, collaborative partnerships, and focus on preventative care suggest a genuine commitment to ensuring that Florida's students have the resources they need to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.