Rapid City, SD — In response to the concerning statistics from the CDC, which indicate that nearly one-third of students grapple with poor mental health, Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) has been awarded a significant $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program.
This funding, which will be allocated over a five-year period, aims to bolster the district’s Comprehensive Mental Health Enhancement Initiative, specifically targeting the mental health needs of middle and high school students.
With the new grant, RCAS plans to hire a board-certified behavioral analyst, three middle school counselors, and three high school social workers. Additionally, the initiative will focus on addressing cultural aspects of mental health and implementing trauma-informed care practices.
The initiative sets several ambitious goals, including:
Reducing the student-to-mental health provider ratio from 434:1 to 361:1.
Decreasing the student-to-counselor ratio from 283:1 to 217:1.
Increasing the number of mental health service sessions by 25 percent.
Improving student well-being by reducing reported anxiety and depression levels by 25 percent.
Cory Strasser, acting superintendent of Rapid City Area Schools, emphasized the importance of integrating mental health support within the school environment. “We see kids every day for the majority of the school year,” Strasser stated. “It’s vital for us to expand access to these services so students can navigate their developmental challenges and feel positive about their school experience.”
Looking ahead, Strasser indicated that at the conclusion of the five-year period, the district will evaluate the ongoing need for these services and explore options for their continuation.
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