Ozarks Tech has joined organizations across the region in recognition of mental health support.
On April 24, the college celebrated the official installation of a “Be Well Bell” at the OTC Richwood Valley Campus. The event was a collaborative promotion by Ozarks Tech’s Phi Theta Kappa organization, OTC Counseling Services, and Burrell Behavioral Health in an effort to promote mental health awareness and resources.
The “Be Well Bell” was brought to campus as an initiative of the Phi Theta Kappa annual Honors Action Project, which encourages students to engage in informed and intentional action meant to foster success. The bell is both a work of art and a piece to provide awareness and resources around mental health and overall wellbeing.
The Richwood Valley Campus “Be Well Bell” is the 19th installation of the Be Well Community Movement that Burrell began in 2021. Each bell is uniquely decorated and placed in the community to serve as a visual reminder of hope and healing.
“The intention of these bells is to bring wellness directly into the communities we reside in, in ways that inspire hope and healing and immediate access to care,” said Bailey Pyle, Director of Be Well Bell Initiatives at Burrell Behavioral Health.
Additionally, the bell invites viewers to scan a QR code where they will find mental health crisis resources and access to support for housing, food, childcare and other critical resources in their community.
“We want to provide for our students in every possible way,” said Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon. “Helping them with positive mental health support is just one of the many ways we live our OTC Cares values.”
The installation comes at a meaningful time, as May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Ozarks Tech’s partnership with Burrell reflects the college’s broader commitment to providing student care and mental health support to students.
Rianna Clark, the bell’s artist, spoke about her inspiration for her artwork, which she has called “One Together.” On it, she depicts several unique strands around the bell that combine to create the “tapestry” surrounding it. She stated, “I’m hopeful that as people pass this bell… that it serves as a gentle reminder of their value, their voice, and their role in creating a more connected and compassionate world.”
The bell will be placed along the trail around the Richwood Valley Campus where students and the community will have access to view the artwork and learn more about mental health resources.