HCPSS School-Based Mental Health Program Discussed At Roundtable

Columbia MD

07 June, 2022

2:19 PM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Monday, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Congressman John Sarbanes hosted a roundtable with Howard County Public School System Superintendent Michael Martirano and other leaders to discuss the HCPSS school-based mental health program and the need for mental and behavioral health services. "Even before the pandemic exacerbated this crisis, we recognized the gap in mental health services, especially for our students and young residents," Ball said. "Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan, this program now allows every Howard County student in every school access to mental health services. We had the chance to hear directly from our school social workers on how this is making an impact ... Our actions, at the across all levels of government, can make a difference and save lives." Ball included in the budget more than $2 million to support school-based mental health for every student in every public school and provide wrap-around services to students who are most vulnerable. A total of $1.7 million will expand the school-based mental health program for the next two years to all 77 public schools. Howard County contributed $980,000 in American Rescue Plan funding with additional contributions being made by The Horizon Foundation and The Kahlert Foundation. The school-based mental health program makes social workers available in HCPSS schools to increase access to student mental health services. Research shows that the availability of school-based mental health services reduces barriers to care with more than 70 percent of children nationally receiving mental health care in school settings. The program also is meant to create a school culture that is accepting of mental health and acknowledges the impact of trauma on students. During the roundtable, social workers from HCPSS discussed the positive impacts of the school-based mental health program. In the 2019-2020 school year, the program served 15 elementary schools, nine middle schools, five high schools and one education center (middle and high school students) out of 77 total schools in the district. Through the program, 58 percent of students referred to SBMHS were connected with a community mental health provider and referred students attended 90 percent of their scheduled appointments with community providers. The program also saw positive outcomes with improved attendance, academic growth, improved social-emotional skills and reduced discipline referrals. "I appreciate Congressman Sarbanes and County Executive Ball for taking time to understand the serious mental health needs that children are carrying with them and advocating for the necessary resources to serve every child," Martirano said. "Too many children are suffering in silence and we see the results of that suffering play out far too often with tragic results. The access and supportive environment that our schools provide children make them ideal locations to provide comprehensive wraparound mental health supports."