Let’s Talk About Mental Health

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University community on October 1, 2026 from Dr. Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Whether you are a student, staff, or faculty member, you are navigating the world at a challenging time. Across our community, personal and professional lives continue to be impacted by uncertainty, creating feelings of vulnerability and deep concern for ourselves and those around us.

Supporting mental health starts with thinking about the kind of community we want to be. Living our value of community means treating one another with compassion and cultivating an environment where everyone can thrive. 

This October, the Chief Health Office is highlighting ways the BU community can support one another and care for our mental health. This involves all of us - the environments we create, the connections we foster, and the commitment to helping all members of the BU community find support when they need it. Mental health affects all of us in different ways, and while the journey is personal, we don’t have to navigate it alone.

Let’s Talk About Mental Health is more than a conversation – it’s a call to action. We hope you’ll engage in programs, events, and resources from across campus that center our shared humanity and create opportunities for reflection, connection, and engagement.

World Mental Health Day at BU

Thursday, October 8 | Charles River & Medical Campuses 

Open to all BU students, staff, and faculty. No registration required.

Sometimes the hardest question to answer is: How am I really doing?  Join us for these events to reflect on this question and connect with campus resources. 

Free Mental Health Screening

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply not yourself, completing a free & confidential questionnaire can be a first step in getting support. 

✔ Pause to reflect on your emotional state

✔ Check-in with a trained listener

✔ Connect with a variety of resources

Can't attend the event in person? Take an anonymous screening online.

Resource Fairs

There are many people on campus working to promote connection, mental health, and wellbeing. Learn more about these resources and engage in activities that spread positivity, encouragement, and kindness. 

• "Paws" and reset with SHS therapy dogs
•  Create a free self-care kit
•  Connect with offices that champion health & wellbeing

•   Enter to win a variety of raffle prizes

Learn More

October Events

Showing up for ourselves and one another builds resilience, a community of care, and moves us toward our campus vision to be a place where everyone can thrive.

Community-Wide Events

• Breath, Rhythm & Music for Your Wellbeing
• Terriers Connect Suicide Prevention Training
• Stretch & Fetch: Gentle Yoga with SHS Therapy Dogs
• Tai Chi at Marsh Chapel
• BUCK Pumpkin Ride

View all events this month

Community Voices

There is power, strength, and connection in talking about mental health and the community we want to build together. Hear what students, staff, and faculty are saying about what’s important to them, and add your voice to the conversation.

More voices & share yours

Let's Walk for Mental Health

When communities come together, stigma breaks down, conversations start, and people find the courage to ask for help.

Join our BU team for the Out of the Darkness Walk with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on October 25 at the Boston Common.

Walk with the BU Team

Mental Health Resources

You don't have to worry alone. If you or someone else is struggling, help is available.

For Students: Counseling, psychiatry, peer support, survivor support, and emergency services are available through Student Health Services.

For Faculty & Staff: Counseling, consultation, and referrals are available through the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office. If you are having a mental health emergency, contact these crisis resources.

Anyone can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. 

Flu and COVID-19 Immunization Clinics

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University community on September 22, 2026 from Dr. Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

At the Chief Health Office, the health of our students, faculty, and staff is always important to us. Below you will find details on our fall Flu and COVID-19 immunization clinics, along with guidance about respiratory illnesses.

Flu & COVID-19 Immunization Clinics

To help protect the BU community, Flu and COVID-19 immunization clinics are available throughout the fall semester for students, faculty, and staff. Clinics will begin on the Medical Campus on September 29 and the Charles River Campus on October 15. Appointments can be conveniently scheduled online; Students can use the Patient Connect portal to make their appointment, and employees can schedule through the Occupational Health Connect Portal.

For a full list of immunization clinic dates and locations, students can visit the Student Health Services calendar and employees can visit the Occupational Health Center website.

Guidelines for Respiratory Illness

The Massachusetts Healey Administration requires all insurance carriers in the state to cover the cost of vaccines recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), including Flu and COVID-19. This includes the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

Please protect yourself and others from getting sick this fall and winter. If you are sick with a respiratory virus, including COVID-19, please stay home and away from others until your symptoms improve. MDPH recommends that you remain at home until your symptoms improve, and you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. If you must be around others while feeling ill, please wear a mask while you are experiencing symptoms. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are recommended to mask for at least 5 days after resuming normal activities, even if symptoms are improving. Healthcare personnel continue to have specific return to work guidelines.

Wishing you all a healthy academic year ahead,

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director

Honoring National Recovery Month

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University community on September 10, 2026 from Dr. Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

This September we honor National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of those in recovery from substance use disorders and addiction, and to promote resources and support systems that make recovery possible. Recovery can take many forms and pathways, and every recovery journey is unique.

Multiple events and learning opportunities are available this month to support our recovery community, reduce the stigma that often marks addiction, and foster a recovery-friendly campus that supports health and wellbeing for all. People in recovery are students, faculty, staff, colleagues, mentors, and leaders throughout our university community. Whether you are a person in recovery, an ally, or supporting a loved one — we invite you to participate in BU’s observance of this important awareness month.

Community initiatives open to students, faculty, and staff:

• Overdose Response Training
  Sept 15, Sept 17 & Sept 22 (virtual & in-person options)

Learn how to respond to an overdose and administer nasal naloxone. Naloxone will be available to participants at in-person trainings. Register for a training.

• Recovery Resources Tabling Events
  Sept 23, 11 AM-1 PM, BUMC Talbot Green
  Sept 25, 11 AM-1 PM, GSU Plaza

Connect with BU employees and students at BU Safety Fest to learn about campus and community recovery support, such as the BU Recovery Community.

• Stories of Strength & Recovery
  Sept 29, 12PM – 1:30PM, Keefer Auditorium, BUSM L-Building

Attend this one-woman play and panel discussion with BU & BMC community members who share personal and professional experience with recovery. Lunch will be provided.

• Commemorating Recovery Milestones

Online & ongoing
Recognize a BU community member’s recovery milestone by sending them a celebratory card and ribbon. Request a commemorative ribbon.

Ongoing learning opportunities: 

• Online photo exhibit of BU recovery experiences. Students in recovery share their experiences to destigmatize substance use disorder and recovery,and show that people in recovery are everywhere– including BU.
• Words Matter Guide from the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center. Terms to use and avoid when talking about addiction because our language impacts stigma and access to substance use treatment.
• Everyday actions for allyship. As friends, family members, and colleagues, there are many ways we can destigmatize addiction, normalize seeking help, and support people in recovery.

Resources for substance use & recovery: 

• For the entire BU Community: The Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Centerhas more than a dozen addiction-focused programs. Anyone can reach out to find addiction support tailored to their individual needs.
• For Students: BU has many resources to support students in long-term recovery or who are new in their recovery journey, including the BU Recovery Community. Student Health Servicesprovides mental health support for substance use and students can also complete anonymousonline screening for personalized feedback.
• For Faculty & Staff: The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) provides free, confidential support for concerns including mental health, substance use, and addiction. Employees and their immediate family members can access short-term counseling and referrals for treatment, as well as anonymous online screeningsfor substance use and gambling habits.

Thank you for helping to foster a recovery-friendly BU community.

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)
Chief Health Officer
Executive Director, Student Health Services

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this year’s theme—community and collaboration—reflects the understanding that no single office, policy, or program can create safety on its own. That work belongs to all of us, both individually and collectively. This month serves as a reminder that the community we want is one we must build together.

Throughout April, BU is offering opportunities designed to raise awareness, build knowledge and skills, deepen connections, and strengthen the system of care that defines a thriving campus community. I encourage everyone to engage in these events.

The Alabama Solution Film Screening

April 2, 6 – 8:30 PM, Howard Thurman Center

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to a special in-person screening and community discussion of this Oscar-nominated documentary that exposes the systemic injustice experienced by people incarcerated in Alabama prisons. Told through their own voices, the film examines how the carceral system is used to respond to sexual violence, and how this connects to prevention efforts and impacts survivors’ sense of bodily autonomy. This event is co-sponsored by Survivor Advocacy, Response & Prevention (SARP), the Howard Thurman Center, BU Prison Outreach Initiative, and the BU Law Public Interest Law Society. RSVP here. 

Rosie’s Place Toiletry Drive and Brunch

April 11, 11 AM – 2 PM, George Sherman Union

We invite all community members to join One Love at BU in honoring Rosie’s Place, a multi-service community center in Boston that offers women emergency shelter, meals, and so much more. A free light brunch is available (while tickets last) to attendees who bring toiletries or a book donation for this amazing cause. Learn more.

Media Fair and "Passion to Poison" Movie Bingo

April 13, 12 – 4 PM, Howard Thurman Center

Students are invited to a media fair inspired by the One Love training on the 10 signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships, featuring a fresh take on How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Using a bingo card, students can reflect on how this romantic comedy has shaped views on relationships, for better or worse. The media fair will also include book reviews, podcast recommendations, a raffle, free food from Saxbys, and opportunities for thoughtful discussion on consent and healthy relationships with event co-sponsors. RSVP here.

Supporting Survivors: Tools, Boundaries, and Resources

April 15, 12 - 12:45 PM, Zoom

In this Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) and SARP co-hosted workshop, students, faculty, and staff will learn ways to support survivors, including friends, loved ones, and students. Topics will include best practices for offering support, boundary setting, self-care, and resources available at BU and in the broader community. Register here.

BU Denim Day

April 29, 11 AM – 2 PM Locations across the Medical and Charles River Campuses

Denim Day is an international movement to end victim-blaming and challenge myths about sexual violence. To raise awareness, spark discussion, and show support, all BU community members are encouraged to wear denim and an “Ask Me About My Denim!” pin, available through SARP. You are encouraged to pick up a Denim Day pin at the SARP office throughout the month of April. Visit Denim Day tables on the Medical Campus in the Instructional Building and on the Charles River Campus at Warren Towers, Claflin Hall, and Towers Lawn.

Participating in Sexual Assault Awareness Month can be challenging for survivors. If you or someone you care about has been impacted by sexual violence, you are not alone. The Chief Health Office and our campus partners offer support services for the BU community:

For Students – Student Health Services’ Survivor Advocacy, Response & Prevention (SARP) provides free, confidential, and trauma-informed counseling, accompaniment, and 24/7 advocacy support to all BU students who have experienced a traumatic event. To access these services, call 617-353-7277. 

For Faculty & Staff – The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) offers free and confidential mental health support for personal, work-related, and family concerns. This includes assessments, short-term counseling, referrals to mental healthcare, and identity-based resources to promote wellbeing. To access services, call 617-353-5381 or submit a form online.

I am grateful to the students, faculty, and staff across this university who make this work possible. Together, we can build the community we aspire to be.

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)    
Chief Health Officer   
Executive Director, Student Health Services    
Boston University

Let’s Talk about Mental Health – Today and Every Day

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University community on October 2, 2025  from Dr. Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

As a community, we all experience impacts to our personal lives, careers, and futures. Concerns about safety, stability, personal rights, and more may feel inescapable for many students, faculty, and staff. In times like these, showing up for one another matters. Mental health can thrive in a community that cares.

This October, the Chief Health Office will spotlight some of the programs, events, and resources that make up our BU support system. This will begin with World Mental Health Day events where students, faculty, and staff can check in on their mental health and connect with campus resources.

Numerous wellness activities, community events, and educational programs will continue throughout October that are hosted by campus partners to promote connection, wellbeing, and resource awareness.

This month, and beyond, we encourage you to take small steps to care for yourself and others in our community. Together, we can work towards a culture where mental health is discussed, compassion is practiced, and support is within everyone's reach.

Dr. Judy Platt (she/her), Chief Health Officer

World Mental Health Day at BU 🌎

Thursday, October 9 | Charles River & Medical Campuses

Open to all BU students, staff, and faculty. No registration required.

• Take a free & confidential mental health screening
• Connect with resources from across campus
• Create your own self-care kit
• Engage in activities that spread positivity, encouragement, and kindness
• "Paws" and reset with therapy dogs

Mental health screening takes about two minutes to complete. Afterwards, you may choose to speak with a trained volunteer who will listen and share relevant resources at BU and beyond. Can’t attend in person? You can also take an anonymous screening online. 

Learn more

October Events 📅

Join us at events throughout the month. Showing up for ourselves and for one another can ease the weight we carry and remind us that we are not alone.

Featured Events

• From Trauma to Thriving: New England Patriots' Ted Johnson's Journey to Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Breath, Rhythm & Music for Your Wellbeing
• Intersectionality & Mental Health: The Multifaceted Life of Students

View the full calendar of events

Mental Health Resources

You don't have to worry alone. Whether you, or someone you care about, is struggling, there are resources to help. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free and confidential mental health resources are also available through BU:

For Students: Counseling, psychiatry, peer support, and tools like Headspace are available through Student Health Services and the Office of Student Wellbeing. If you, or another BU student, is having a mental health emergency, contact emergency resources.

For Faculty & Staff: Counseling, consultation, referrals, and tools like Headspace are available through the Faculty & Staff Assistance Office and BU Employee Wellness. If you are having a mental health emergency, contact crisis resources.

Learn more about resources

Flu & COVID-19 Immunization Clinics

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University community on September 22, 2025 from Dr. Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

At the Chief Health Office, the health of our students, faculty, and staff is of the utmost importance to us. Below you will find details on upcoming Flu and COVID-19 immunization clinics, along with guidance about respiratory illnesses.

Flu & COVID-19 Immunization Clinics

To help protect the BU community, Flu and COVID-19 immunization clinics are scheduled throughout the fall semester for students, faculty, and staff, beginning on the Medical Campus on September 29 and the Charles River Campus on October 7. For a full list of immunization clinic dates and locations, students can visit the Student Health Services calendar and employees can visit the Occupational Health Center website.

All students, faculty, and staff are welcome to schedule a vaccination appointment. Students may schedule through Patient Connect and employees may schedule through the Occupational Health Connect Portal.

The Massachusetts Healey Administration now requires all insurance carriers in the state to continue to cover the cost of vaccines recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), which includes flu and COVID-19. This includes the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and both of the BU employee health plans.

Guidelines for Respiratory Illness

Please protect yourself and others from getting sick this fall and winter. If you are sick with a respiratory virus, including COVID-19, please stay home and away from others until your symptoms improve. MDPH recommends that you remain home until (1) your symptoms improve and (2) you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. If you must be around others while feeling ill, please wear a mask while you are experiencing symptoms. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are recommended to mask for at least 5 days after resuming normal activities, even if symptoms are improving. Healthcare personnel continue to have specific return-to-work guidelines.

Wishing you all a healthy academic year ahead,

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University

Honoring National Recovery Month

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University community on September 9, 2025 from Dr. Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of those in recovery from substance use disorders and addiction, and to promote resources and support systems that make recovery possible.

Whether you are a member of our community who is in recovery, an ally, or supporting a loved one — we invite you to participate in BU’s observance of this important awareness month. Multiple events and learning opportunities are available to support the BU Recovery Community, reduce the stigma that often marks addiction, and foster a recovery-friendly campus that supports health and wellbeing for all.

Community initiatives open to students, faculty, and staff:

• Recovery Resources Tabling Events  

Sept 17, 1-3 PM, BUMC L-Building lobby  

Sept 23, 2-4 PM, Fitness & Recreation Center lobby

Connect with BU employees and students about campus and community recovery support resources, such as the BU Recovery Community.

• Commemorating Recovery Milestones 

Online & ongoing

Recognize a BU community member’s recovery milestone by sending them a celebratory card and ribbon. Request a commemorative ribbon here. 

• Overdose Prevention Training 

Sept 24, 6-7 pm & Sept 30, 4-5 pm via Zoom  

Help make our community safer for people who use opioids by learning how to respond to an overdose, including how to access and administer nasal naloxone. Register for the training here. 

Learning opportunities  

• Recovery Experiences at BU  

In this online photography exhibit, BU students in recovery share their experiences to destigmatize substance use disorder and recovery, and show that people in recovery are everywhere – including BU.

• Words Matter  

Created by the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center, this guide presents terms to use and avoid when talking about addiction, recognizing the impact our language has on stigma and access to substance use treatment.

• Ways to be an Ally  

As friends, family members, and colleagues, there are many actions we can take in our everyday lives to support people in recovery, destigmatize addiction, and normalize seeking help in the BU community.

• BU Research & Advocacy 

Learn more about how BU faculty are using their research to advocate for collegiate recovery in Massachusetts and on Capitol Hill.

Resources for Substance Use & Recovery  

• For the entire BU Community: The Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center has more than a dozen addiction-focused programs. Anyone can reach out to find addiction support tailored to their individual needs. The Grayken Center also has multiple events planned in recognition of National Recovery Month.
• For Students: BU has many resources to support students in long-term recovery or new in their recovery journey, including the BU Recovery Community and BU Recovery Meetings. Student Health Services provides mental health support for substance use and students can also complete anonymous online screening that provides personalized feedback.
• For Faculty & Staff: The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) offers free and confidential mental health support for personal, work-related, and family concerns including substance use. This includes assessments, short-term counseling, and referrals.

Thank you for being an active participant in fostering a recovery-friendly BU community.

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)

Chief Health Officer

Executive Director, Student Health Services

Boston University

World Mental Health Day at BU

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University community on October 1, 2024 from Dr. Judy Platt, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

October 10 marks World Mental Health Day – an international call to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health, and strengthen community access to mental health support.

At this moment, there are tremendous stressors and uncertainties in our individual lives and global community that are deeply impacting our mental health. These realities require us, more than ever, to prioritize care for ourselves and one another. At the Chief Health Office, the mental health of our students, staff, and faculty is front of mind. Please read on to learn about the events, training opportunities, and resources available to you this month, and beyond.

World Mental Health Day at BU

We will honor World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10 by providing students, staff, and faculty with free mental health screenings, resource fairs, and opportunities to reduce stigma and contribute to a community of care. This is a notable expansion of “National Depression Screening Day” which has been an important part of BU’s prevention efforts for nearly 20 years. Events will be held on the Charles River and Medical campuses, and online. No registration is required. Learn more about what is planned for World Mental Health Day at BU.

Overdose Prevention Training

We can all support the health and safety of our campus community by learning how to identify an overdose, access and administer nasal naloxone, and describe policies that protect those who seek help. BU’s Overdose Prevention Training is free and open to all students, staff, and faculty. Learn more and register.

Supporting Students in Distress: Terriers Connect Training

Each member of our community has the power to support students’ mental health, no matter your role on campus. This training, led by Student Health Services, teaches students, staff, and faculty how to recognize signs of distress, support students, and refer to BU mental health and wellbeing resources. Learn more and register.

Mental Health Resources for the BU Community

The Chief Health Office, and our campus partners, offer many resources to support the mental health of students, staff, and faculty.

For Students: Student Health Services (SHS) provides free and confidential mental health services including short-term therapy, support groups, medication management and more. Survivor services are available for any student who has experienced interpersonal violence or other trauma. Peer support options can also be accessed through SHS’ Togetherall and All Ears programs. For a broader list of wellbeing resources, explore this resource tool provided by the BU Student Wellbeing Office.

For Faculty & Staff: The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) offers free and confidential help for personal, work-related, and family concerns. Licensed staff provide mental health assessments, short-term counseling, referrals to mental healthcare, training, and identity-based resources to promote mental wellbeing. Services are available to BU employees and their household family members. BU Employee Wellness also curates resources to enhance wellbeing including workshops, programs, and health information.

Thank you for your continued commitment to fostering a culture of care and support within our BU community.

In health,

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University

University Health Initiative: COVID-19 and Flu Immunization Clinics

in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Thursday, September 19, 2024 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

Welcome back to campus as we embark on another exciting academic year together. At the Chief Health Office, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priority. Please see below for information about our COVID-19 policies, upcoming Flu and COVID-19 Immunization Clinics, general information about respiratory illnesses, and where to order a free rapid antigen COVID-19 test.

COVID-19 Policy

The University COVID-19 vaccination policy can be found on the Chief Health Office webpage and is also below. 

• General Population: We strongly recommend that everyone stay up to date with CDC COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.

• Healthcare personnel working in Boston University DPH-licensed healthcare facilities: DPH-licensed healthcare personnel are required to have an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or submit a declination after reviewing the risks and benefits of vaccination.

• Medical, Dental, and Physician Assistant Students: These students will be required to have an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or submit a declination after reviewing the risks and benefits of vaccination.

COVID-19 and Flu Immunization Clinics

We recommend everyone stay up to date with annual COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. To help protect our community, COVID-19 and flu immunization clinics for students, faculty, and staff, are scheduled throughout the fall semester, beginning on the Medical Campus on September 30. Students may use Patient Connect and employees may visit the Occupational Health Center website to schedule their vaccination appointments on the Medical Campus now. Appointments for Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations on the Charles River Campus will open on Tuesday, October 8.

Guidelines for Respiratory Illness

We encourage you to protect yourself and others from getting sick this fall and winter. Free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests will be available for households through the US Government. Order a test online at the end of September.

If you are sick with a respiratory virus, including COVID-19, please stay home until your symptoms improve. MA Department of Public Health guidelines have evolved to align COVID-19 with other common respiratory diseases like influenza. It is recommended to stay home and away from others until your symptoms are improving and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours. If you need to be around others while feeling ill, please wear a mask while you are experiencing symptoms and for at least 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19. Healthcare personnel continue to have specific return to work guidelines.

Wishing you all a healthy academic year ahead,

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University