Bucks County Community College has earned a state certification for its student mental health and suicide prevention efforts for the 2026-27 academic year.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded the Newtown-based college its PA CARES designation, the college announced Sept. 15. The designation recognizes compliance with Act 110, a 2018 state law requiring higher education institutions to adopt mental health and suicide prevention plans. PA CARES stands for Connect, Access, Respond, Encourage, Support.

The college serves students from across Bucks County, including the Doylestown and Central Bucks area.

To qualify, an institution must offer 24/7 crisis intervention services, publicly post warning-sign resources, communicate crisis information to students at least twice a year and review its plan annually. The college's full plan is posted online.

Lynette Kuhn, deputy secretary and commissioner for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, said in a statement that it is "critical that institutions of higher learning proactively identify and implement policies, practices, and strategies for addressing mental health issues and preventing student suicide."

Samuel Coleman IV, vice president of student affairs at Bucks County Community College, is listed as the college's institutional contact for the designation. He said the college provides resources to support students through a range of challenges.

Counseling is available on all three campuses. Students at the Newtown, Upper Bucks in Perkasie and Lower Bucks in Bristol locations can schedule appointments by calling 215-968-8189, emailing [email protected], or visiting the Student Services area. The college's Office of Security and Safety is reachable 24/7 at 215-968-8911 for emergencies.

Bucks County recorded an age-adjusted suicide rate of 12.3 deaths per 100,000 residents during the 2020-24 reporting period, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The 2026 "Hold On You Matter" awareness walk at BCCC's Upper Bucks Campus in Perkasie drew about 290 participants and raised more than $22,000 for prevention projects, according to the Bucks County Human Services Division, as Central Bucks News reported.

Students in crisis can call the college's Student Services Center at 215-968-8139 during business hours, dial 911, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.