The need for mental health support has steadily been growing among our student body. Depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts are just a few of the mental health struggles that plague students at ORU. Many of you may be aware that ORU offers free counseling services to students. Many of you may also be aware that there has been a waiting-list to receive these counseling services for almost a year now. Our counseling department currently has only 3 counselors on staff. This number is no where near adequate for the amount of need. These counselors already have full schedules and cannot help any new students because the demand for mental health support has been so much greater than the supply.

On behalf of all of my brothers and sisters who are in need of counseling, I am asking that the administration rise up and supply. Our student body is hurting. There is a cry for help. As a university that strives to develop whole persons, many students cannot function because their mental health is being neglected, and they feel that they have no where to turn. My heart hurts for these students, as I know what it is like to be in that position. As someone who has struggled with depression myself, I know what it is like to seek help and hit a dead end. We should not have to turn away students that desire counseling services. Our student body deserves to have access to adequate mental health support when needed. For many students, on campus counseling services are their only option, due to lack of finances and transportation to pursue other treatment. 

ORU needs this change. Yes, this change will require institutional funding, and I believe that it is well worth it. It is as important as any other need for funding, especially when we are considering the lives and well-being of human beings.That is a priceless investment. Friends, I ask that you will prayerfully consider this issue as I have, and raise your voice. Continue to support each other in community and prayer. And in unity, I believe we can make a change for the better. Thank you.