In Arkansas and across the country, student mental health has been the focus of increased attention on campuses. A recent report from the College Futures Foundation noted colleges and universities are directly affecting how their students feel and fare. Buster Lackey, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Arkansas, said 2022 research showed 60% of college students experienced some type of mental health challenge. .
Several Central Arkansas law enforcement agencies have implemented officer training to improve interactions with people diagnosed with mental illness in an effort to build better relationships with mental health workers and better serve Arkansans.