As the new school year begins, North Carolina is set to enhance support for students’ mental health with a substantial financial boost. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This funding is part of a broader $50 million national initiative under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act aimed at bolstering school-based health services.
Robert Alvis, a Social Studies teacher in Alamance County, underscores the pressing need for increased mental health resources in schools. “In my time as a teacher, I’ve encountered numerous students grappling with serious issues such as thoughts of suicide, depression, and anxiety. These are challenges that, as teachers, we are currently ill-equipped to handle,” Alvis stated.
Entering his ninth year of teaching in North Carolina public schools, Alvis highlights the gap between current school support systems and the professional mental health care needed. While educators are trained to manage various issues, Alvis emphasizes the necessity of specialized support for students.
Data from the DHHS reveals a significant shortfall in mental health professionals within state schools. In 2022, North Carolina schools had less than 20% of the recommended number of psychologists and social workers relative to the student population.
Alvis believes that the new grant will significantly ease the burden on school staff and provide essential mental health services to more students. “This is a critical juncture for the state government of North Carolina to acknowledge the substantial mental health needs of our public-school students and to take action to address these needs,” he said.
The grant is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding access to mental health care, ensuring that students receive the support necessary for their well-being and academic success.
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