Coloring outside the lines: UK launches initiative to prioritize mental health, encourage creative healing

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 16, 2025) — Each May, communities around the country observe Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to break down stigma, open conversations and reaffirm that mental health is health. At the University of Kentucky, that message rings loud and clear.

As part of this commitment, the university has launched the Color Kentucky Healthy Initiative — a partnership between UK HealthCare Healthy Kentucky Initiative, UK HR Health and Wellness, UK HealthCare Office of Patient Experience, UK Integrative Medicine and Health and UK HealthCare Corporate Communication.

The Color Kentucky Healthy Initiative encourages collective coloring to help employees, students, patients and visitors refocus, calm and relieve their stress. It aims to normalize the practice of taking moments to prioritize mental health care without guilt or shame through coloring. Coloring is proven to have many benefits, not just for children, but adults too, including: 

• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Improving focus and mindfulness
• Encouraging relaxation and improving sleep
• Refocusing thoughts in the present moment

“The initial pilot, led by UK HealthCare Integrative Medicine and Health and UK HealthCare Corporate Communications, was met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from our employees,” said Jenni Jinright, manager of the Healthy Kentucky Initiative. “Now, we’re expanding this effort to include the entire campus and broader Kentucky community — bringing creativity, calm and connection to more people.”

Mental health challenges have risen significantly in recent years — a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and intensified by the pressures of modern life. According to national surveys, nearly half of college students report symptoms of depression or anxiety, and more than 75% of U.S. workers have reported experiencing burnout.

This national crisis provides us with an opportunity to change how we talk about, think about and respond to mental health needs. That’s what makes Mental Health Awareness Month so important. It’s a chance to not only raise awareness but to activate support, build community and normalize conversations around well-being.

At UK, this mission is central to the university’s values. Mental health is a cornerstone of student success and community strength. Through initiatives like Color Kentucky Healthy, caring for one's mental health can be as simple as picking up a crayon and connecting with others.

In the coming months, you will notice large blank coloring murals of Kentucky landmarks like Cumberland Falls throughout campus and UK offices as well as throughout the community. When you see one, try to take some time to be creative and take a break while coloring with colleagues, classmates and friends. 

“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 of UK HR Health and Wellness. “This initiative not only helps in reducing stress and anxiety but also promotes mindfulness and relaxation.”

Other ways to get involved

UK HealthCare’s Office of Health Disparities, in partnership with local faith leaders, is hosting Mental Health Matters, a free mental health education and awareness event open to the community. This event is 3-5 p.m. Saturday, May 17 at The Learning Center at 475 Price Road.

To further support the campus community during Mental Health Awareness Month, UK HR Health and Wellness is hosting a pop-up event called Balance break: A mental health pop-up event. The event is 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, in the College of Dentistry courtyard (rain location is Markey Cancer Center’s Combs Building covered patio). The event will allow attendees to tap into their creativity with coloring, poetry, gratitude and chair yoga. Resources and the ability to win a mural for your department will also be available. 

The Healthy Kentucky Initiative is also promoting online QPR suicide prevention training throughout the month. QPR stands for question, persuade and refer; three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide. You do not have to be a medical or mental health professional to be a mental health champion. Learn the warning signs and how to actively respond to a person in crisis in less than an hour. This training is free to everyone including employees, students and the community.

In addition to employee offerings, UK’s Office for Student Success offers a number of mental health resources to students year round, including: TRACS (Triage, Referral, Assistance, and Crisis Support), the Counseling Center, the Disability ResourceCenter, POWER (Prevention, Outreach, and Wellness Education Resources), and the VIP (Violence Intervention and Prevention) Center. 

Mental Health Awareness Month offers a vital reminder — but the work doesn’t stop when May ends. At the University of Kentucky, mental health is a year-round priority. Through programs like the Color Kentucky Healthy Initiative, continued training and collaborative partnerships across campus, UK is striving to build a community where everyone feels seen, supported and empowered to care for their mental well-being.

When you see a mural, pick up a marker. When you see someone struggling, offer a kind word. Together, let’s color Kentucky healthy — one mindful moment at a time.