Haverhill and Methuen Public Schools are among 60 districts across the state that have been awarded $100,000 grants to bolster mental and behavioral health services for students. The funds, announced on Monday by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, will also support professional development for district staff.
Governor Maura T. Healey emphasized the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have a mental health crisis that was only made worse by the pandemic, particularly for students. That’s why improving students’ access to behavioral and mental health care is a priority for our administration,” Healey said. “These grants will help districts connect students with the services they need to be safe, healthy, and successful today and into the future.”
The initiative aims to foster collaboration between schools, families, and community-based mental health agencies. The grants will assist school districts in enhancing their capacity to identify and respond to mental health challenges, improve integration of mental health supports, and streamline transitions between schools and community resources. The funding will also support the development of improved data systems to track the effectiveness of mental health interventions and may help pilot universal mental health screening programs.
This investment is part of the state’s broader effort to create lasting, positive change in how schools support students’ mental and emotional well-being.
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