Alcohol and other drug use are significant concerns for the health, safety and productivity of students and employees. The Kent State of Well-being will include programs and initiatives that focus on education, prevention, intervention and support programming for students, faculty and staff who have an alcohol or drug use disorder or who are in recovery.

For both students and employees, mental health can make the difference between thriving, struggling, or merely surviving. The workplace can provide support and advocacy for employees with mental health concerns, leading to increased productivity and a reduction in risk factors for other chronic disease.

Individuals' dietary intake over time is closely related to health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and cancer. The Kent State of Wellness will intensify efforts to provide education, programs and initiatives for students and employees that focus on food selection, preparation, and accessibility.

The benefits of regular physical activity include decreases in mortality, obesity, coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depressive disorders and cancers. The Kent State of Wellness will seek to incorporate policy, environmental, and behavioral incentive strategies to increase physical activity among our students and employees.

Routine preventive care can lead to prevention or early detection of illness, resulting in better health outcomes, improved quality of life and reduced cost. The Kent State of Wellness will develop campaigns to increase health literacy, awareness, and engagement of our students and employees in preventive care based on risk levels.

As emerging young adults, many college students are exploring their sexuality, often lack accurate sexual health information, and may engage in high-risk behaviors. The Kent State of Wellness will support sexuality education and trainings to encourage awareness and inclusion of sexual and gender identities.