Expanding comprehensive school mental health systems in northeast ohio - through the expanding comprehensive school mental health systems in northeast ohio project, school districts and partners…

Expanding comprehensive school mental health systems in northeast ohio - through the expanding comprehensive school mental health systems in northeast ohio project, school districts and partners will improve educational and health outcomes for k-12 students in at least four greater cleveland school districts by collectively establishing trauma- informed learning environments for all students and targeted/intensive supports and interventions for students experiencing significant trauma responses and mental health challenges. This project focuses primarily on school children and youth ages 5-18 in the cleveland metropolitan school district and the 16 school districts serving cleveland's first ring suburbs. Collectively, these school districts serve 60,000 students, 60% of whom qualify as economically disadvantaged. Slightly more than half of these students (53%) are african-american, 37% are white, 7 % are latinx, and 2% are asian/pacific islander, and 1% are native american. Regional data demonstrates significantly growing numbers of these students experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality consistent with national data revealing a youth mental health emergency that has been intensified by the covid-19 pandemic. Confounding factors for these youth include repeated exposure to violence and subsequent trauma at home, in school, and in the community, systemic racism, gender-based marginalization, homophobia, elevated number of adverse childhood experiences (aces), and the complex narrative of multigenerational chronic stress, adversity and trauma. Under the leadership of the educational service center of northeast ohio (ESC NEO), local educational authorities and local trauma-informed primary care and mental health service providers will solidify and disseminate a promising comprehensive school mental health system initiated in 2017 in the first ring lakewood city schools, using evidence-based and promising educational and clinical practices. This system leverages established interagency relationships and local healthcare providers who already serve the district population, expanding access to trauma-informed educational environments as well as high-quality screening, referral, and treatment support services to students and families who have experienced significant trauma and/or mental health challenges. Through the ongoing development of comprehensive school mental health systems in lakewood and at least three other districts, approximately 3,000 students (non-duplicated) will be screened for trauma responses and mental health needs over the four years of the grant period, and approximately 1,400 of these students will receive additional services (beyond screening). In order to accomplish the goals of the project at least 400 educators and 80 health care professionals will participate in professional development supporting improved practice in relation to student trauma and mental health challenges. A customized family and community engagement plan will lead to increased awareness of trauma and mental health challenges among children and youth, along with the ability to connect students and families with needed supports. Over the course of the project, the partners will establish a regional community of practice in order to maximize quality, sustainability, and continuous expansion of comprehensive school mental health systems in northeast ohio.