Kettering Health, Premier Health, Dayton Children’s Hospital, Kettering College, University of Dayton, Sinclair Community College, and Wright State University held a launch ceremony on Friday, October 10, to celebrate the start of a new collaborative mental health program for college students.

Leaders from each organization offered remarks, speaking to the positive impact the College Age Intensive Outpatient Program (CA IOP) will have on the ongoing mental health crisis among college-age students and the importance of the large-scale collaborative effort that is bringing together the area’s leading health systems and academic institutions to address a regional issue.

Anthony Grant, head coach of the University of Dayton men’s basketball team, and Chris Grant, president of Jay’s Light Fund, also spoke at the event to share the story of their daughter, Jayda, who died by suicide in 2022 after struggling with mental health challenges. They emphasized how programs like this can play a crucial role in preventing similar tragedies.

Speakers in order of appearance:

• Erica Schneider, president, Kettering Health Miamisburg & Washington Township
• Ben Hotelling, associate dean of student success and dean of students, Kettering College
• Dr. Keith Bricking, EVP & chief clinical officer, Premier Health
• Dr. Susan Edwards, president, Wright State University
• Dr. Scott Markland, senior vice president for student development, Sinclair Community College
• Dr. Eric F. Spina, president, University of Dayton
• Dr. Kelly Blankenship, associate chief medical officer of mental health, Dayton Children’s Hospital
• Anthony Grant, head coach, University of Dayton Men’s Basketball
• Chris Grant, president, Jay’s Light Fund