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HCPSS Announces New Plan for Enhancing Student Mental Health Supports

May 29th, 2018

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has launched a new effort to enhance mental health services and supports for students in crisis, in collaboration with community and government agencies. This approach will leverage mental health providers within our county to amplify the supports we are able to provide. In developing these initiatives, HCPSS staff reviewed national best practices as well as efforts in neighboring jurisdictions.

“This has been a very difficult year, and many students and families are reaching out for help with mental health needs, including stress and anxiety associated with performance in school,” said Interim Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “Through this innovative approach to leverage existing community resources in conjunction with HCPSS staff, HCPSS can become a leader in coordinating services for our students.”

The new plan includes several components:

In addition, HCPSS has issued a Request for Proposals to identify mental health providers to partner with schools and families, and is exploring grant opportunities in collaboration with the Howard County Health Department and Horizon Foundation to further enhance the impact of collective mental health services.