The U.S. Education Department has distributed more than $95 million to schools throughout 35 states to expand access to mental health services and increase the number of mental health professionals in needed districts.
“To raise the bar in education, we have to normalize mental health care for students and educators,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona wrote in a May 16 Twitter post. “It’s important to know that it is OK to turn to ask for help.”
The funds, given by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) grant program and Mental Health Service Professional (MHSP) grant program, aim to support the growing mental health needs of students.
By investing in school-based mental health services, the Department of Education states the Biden-Harris administration's goal is to promote the overall well-being and academic success of students.
The awarded grants will enable schools to increase access to critical mental health resources, such as counseling, therapy and intervention programs. It will help recruit, train and retain mental health professionals in high-needs school districts, where there is often a shortage of qualified personnel. It is expected that the funds will prepare more than 14,000 new mental health professionals in schools across the country.
Cardona has emphasized the importance of addressing students' mental health needs as it is crucial for both learning and achievement. The mental well-being investment also assists with creating a fair and diverse education system.
The Education Department notes the 93 MHSP grants just awarded are in addition to 67 grants given out in December, with the latter totaling $46 million.
Earlier this month, Cardona called on all individuals to reflect on how they are feeling, given May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.
“#MentalHealthMonth Reminder: Mental health is a massive part of learning, growing, teaching and living,” Cardona wrote in a May 11 Twitter post. “Don’t forget to check in with yourself and ask for what you need.”
