Project Grant H79SM091650

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded Springdale Public School District No. 50 $970,000 on September 30, 2026, under the Center for Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance program (CFDA 93.532) to establish a regional school-based behavioral health and trauma recovery center in northwest Arkansas.

Springdale Public Schools will lead the project through the Jones Prep Academy in collaboration with the 15-member Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative to expand access to evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health services for children and youth ages 5–17. Over the four-year performance period through September 29, 2030, the center will provide direct intensive behavioral health services to 396 unduplicated children and youth (70 in year 1, 90 in year 2, 110 in year 3, and 126 in year 4), with priority given to students experiencing serious emotional disturbance, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, suicidal ideation or behavior, self-harm, and co-occurring behavioral health conditions. Additional students, families, educators, and school personnel across the service area encompassing more than 50,000 PreK–12 students will benefit from prevention activities, professional development, consultation, and system-wide behavioral health supports. The project integrates education, behavioral health, family engagement, and community partnerships to improve behavioral health outcomes, strengthen school climate, reduce barriers to care, and build sustainable regional capacity. Work is performed in Fayetteville, Arkansas.