The Ferguson-Florissant School District (FFSD) recently provided an update on its Hazel Health initiative, which aims to enhance student well-being through teletherapy and physical health services. Assistant Superintendent Brent Mitchell emphasized that every student deserves to be seen, heard, and cared for, highlighting the program's alignment with the district's strategic goals focused on well-being and human capital.

During the 2023-24 school year, the partnership with Hazel Health has yielded significant results, with over 62,100 health visits recorded and more than 1,800 students served across nearly all campuses. The initiative, funded by a grant from Centene, is currently at risk of losing financial support as the grant is set to expire at the end of the school year.

Whitney Nielsen, Senior Vice President of Operations at Hazel Health, presented data indicating that mental health challenges among adolescents have been exacerbated by the pandemic. She noted that many students face barriers to accessing care, including long wait times and socioeconomic challenges. The data revealed that students of color, who historically have had less access to mental health services, received comparable care to their peers.

The program has shown promising outcomes, including a 50% reduction in discipline referrals for students who engaged in teletherapy. Additionally, 91% of severely absent students improved their attendance after completing the program. Nielsen pointed out that the initiative has been particularly beneficial for male students, who often face stigma around seeking mental health support.

Despite the positive impact, Mitchell expressed concern over the future of the program without continued funding. He urged the board and community members to seek sponsorships to sustain the initiative, emphasizing the importance of mental health support in keeping students engaged in their education.

Board members raised questions about the referral process for students needing support, the importance of parental feedback, and the need for ongoing training for staff to identify signs of anxiety and depression in students. The district is committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring that all students have access to the necessary resources for their mental and physical health.

As the meeting concluded, there was a strong consensus among board members and district officials on the critical need for continued investment in mental health services for students, with a collective call to action for community support to sustain the Hazel Health initiative.