Tampa’s Mort Elementary, located on Bearrs Avenue, might appear to be like any other school, but it stands out with a unique offering: a food bank that supports struggling families in the area. This innovative approach is part of Mort Elementary’s designation as a Community Partnership School, where companies and organizations come together to assist the public school in providing critical resources to students and their families.
Principal Kelly Snellgrove underscores the importance of this initiative, stating that it levels the playing field for students and families by offering essential services such as healthcare and dental care. However, concerns have arisen regarding the mental well-being of the school’s students, given the unique challenges faced by their University Area community in North Tampa. This area has a history of being highly transient, once earning the moniker “Suitcase City” due to high unemployment rates and crime levels.
The pressures stemming from these circumstances can lead to serious mental health issues, including the risk of suicide. Hillsborough County has seen a disproportionately high rate of child suicides, and students at Mort Elementary may be particularly vulnerable. Clinical counselor Lourdes Gonzalez Anaya acknowledges that many of these students grapple with anxiety and behavioral problems, necessitating professional assistance.
Furthermore, a significant portion of Mort Elementary’s student population, approximately 75%, speaks Spanish as their primary language. Recognizing the urgent need for additional mental health support, Aetna, a CVS company, stepped up to the plate by donating $20,000 to fund a full-time bilingual therapist for the school. This therapist not only provides vital support to the students but also interacts with Spanish-speaking parents who might otherwise be unable to access such services.
The introduction of this mental health focus at Mort Elementary marks a pioneering effort within the state, and the organizers aspire to create a blueprint for other schools to follow. By addressing the mental health needs of students in a community facing significant challenges, Mort Elementary sets an example of how education and social support can work hand in hand to uplift the well-being of children and their families.
