The University of Kentucky (UK) is kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month with a creative initiative designed to reduce stress, improve well-being, and encourage open conversations about mental health. The new Color Kentucky Healthy Initiative, a collaboration between UK HR Health and Wellness and the UK HealthCare Office of Patient Experience, invites employees, students, patients, and visitors to take time out of their day to engage in collective coloring.
This initiative is aimed at normalizing mental health care and breaking the stigma around prioritizing well-being. The practice of coloring is shown to have a range of benefits, including:
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Reducing stress and anxiety
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Improving focus and mindfulness
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Encouraging relaxation and better sleep
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Helping refocus thoughts in the present moment
“After our initial pilot, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from employees,” said Jenni Jinright, manager of the Healthy Kentucky Initiative. “We’re expanding this to the entire campus and broader Kentucky community, creating more opportunities for calm, creativity, and connection.”
With mental health challenges on the rise—especially following the COVID-19 pandemic—this initiative comes at a crucial time. National surveys indicate that nearly half of college students experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, and over 75% of U.S. workers report feeling burnt out. The Color Kentucky Healthy Initiative offers a simple, accessible way for individuals to prioritize their mental health and build a supportive community.
The initiative is centered around large blank coloring murals of Kentucky landmarks like Cumberland Falls, which will be displayed throughout the UK campus and local community. These murals offer a creative, low-pressure way for people to connect, de-stress, and contribute to a larger, collective effort of well-being.
“The Color Kentucky Healthy Initiative is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and engage in this simple yet effective activity,” said Jody Ensman, well-being manager for UK HR Health and Wellness. “It helps reduce anxiety, promotes mindfulness, and encourages relaxation.”
Additional Mental Health Resources and Events
The initiative is not just about coloring. The UK HealthCare Office of Health Disparities, in partnership with local faith leaders, is hosting Mental Health Matters, a free mental health education and awareness event on May 17. On May 20, the UK HR Health and Wellness team will host a Balance Break event, featuring coloring, poetry, gratitude exercises, and chair yoga.
Moreover, the Healthy Kentucky Initiative is promoting QPR suicide prevention training, an educational program that teaches the steps of questioning, persuading, and referring people in crisis. The training is available to all, with the goal of empowering individuals to be mental health champions.
For students, UK’s Office for Student Success offers ongoing mental health resources, including the TRACS (Triage, Referral, Assistance, and Crisis Support) program, the Counseling Center, the Disability Resource Center, and other wellness resources.
Building a Year-Round Culture of Well-being
While May serves as a vital reminder to prioritize mental health, UK is committed to fostering a year-round culture of well-being. The Color Kentucky Healthy Initiative and other programs aim to create a supportive, inclusive community where individuals can be open about their mental health and receive the help they need.
UK’s approach is simple but powerful: when you see a mural, pick up a marker. When you see someone struggling, offer a kind word. The Color Kentucky Healthy Initiative invites everyone to join in, fostering mindfulness, connection, and, ultimately, a healthier Kentucky—one colorful moment at a time.
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