Local collaborative focusing on mental health in schools
Times NewsMar 13, 2019
Representatives from
With a large portion of that age range represented in the school system population, Gruebmeyer said staff members from teachers to specialists are teaming up to make sure they notice key behaviors and what steps to take.
Early invention is key, he explained, and that includes training teachers and staff on mental health warnings signs.
"Just like early intervention can help a child learn to read, early intervention for those that might develop a mental illness is important in preventing the onset of symptoms," Gruebmeyer said.
Crisis intervention work has included new processes and protocols that allow individuals in a student's life to more easily work together in an evidenced-based approach, he added.
Gruebmeyer said he frequently hears from high school principals about students discussing suicidal ideation, and noted that one of the leading causes of death for those ages 15-24 is suicide.
Students experiencing mental health problems also have a higher risk of dropping out of school, and it can be more difficult for the education process to work effectively for those battling other issues, Gruebmeyer explained.
"We know from an educational standpoint the effects are very significant," he added.
Bringing on more mental health experts, through organizations like
BRH received a school safety grant to provide crisis services to students at all county schools, Davidson explained. Work on the collaboration started earlier this year, but discussions have been in the works for some time.
Through BRH, one licensed clinical social worker is responding to grades 9-12, and another is to work with kindergarten through 8th grade.
The services started in January with one social worker. In February the social worker had 22 crisis calls, which Davidson said was an unusually high number, and likely more than she saw in her first two years at BRH.
"Sadly, it is not unusual to see suicidal and homicidal ideation in our children," Davidson said.
Additionally, BRH has three licensed clinical social workers and one licensed professional counselor providing services in five local schools:
On average they provide between 200 to 250 student visits per month, according to Davidson.
The crisis home base for the social workers will be
Reasons for the increase in mental health issues in youth are wide ranging, Davidson explained. They can include trauma, social media and bullying, but it isn't that simple or easy to pinpoint, she added.
Trauma-focused therapists are working with students both at the schools and the
Schools with on-site therapists include
There are also students reviving services at
Blackford emphasized that children are being referred for a variety of reasons.
"These services are trying to build skills in kids so they are able to be present and learn as much as they can, while still addressing stressors and what is going on at home," Blackford explained.
All three speakers expressed the need for shared efforts, which includes the family and the child.
Board member
"What you are doing is really special and we don't take that for granted," he said.
Chairman
In other business, board member and
A plan will be presented to commissioners in the near future and includes suggestions on where to put funding and tasks for different organizations in the community with addressing the increasing local substance abuse problem.
"We have to work together to have success," Lapsley said.
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