School Board proposes partnership with Hazel Health for student mental health services

The Cumberland County Schools Board of Education meeting on May 29, 2025, focused on a significant proposal to partner with Hazel Health, a telehealth provider, to enhance mental health support for students. The initiative aims to expand access to behavioral health services within the district, aligning with the school system's strategic plan to create an exceptional environment for student well-being.

Hazel Health would become the fourth provider in the existing School Behavioral Health (SBH) program, which has been operational since February 2021. Currently, the SBH program serves 37 schools across the district, with the exception of the Cape Fear and Grays Creek districts. The proposed partnership would allow Hazel Health to provide services during school hours, offering students access to mental health support without the barriers often associated with traditional therapy, such as insurance issues or the availability of therapists.

The partnership stems from a commitment made by UnitedHealthcare in February 2024 to provide high-quality mental health services to up to one million students nationwide. Hazel Health was selected as a key partner in this initiative, which aims to serve nearly 400,000 students in North Carolina. The program is set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year, contingent on funding for subsequent years.

Hazel Health's services include initial assessments, short-term counseling, case management, and care coordination, all available from 7 AM to 7 PM. Importantly, no student will be turned away based on their insurance status or ability to pay, addressing a critical gap in mental health care access.

The board discussed the selection of schools for the initial rollout, focusing on areas currently lacking mental health services and those with high reported needs. This strategic approach aims to ensure that all students in the district have access to necessary mental health resources.

In conclusion, the proposed partnership with Hazel Health represents a proactive step towards improving student mental health support in Cumberland County Schools, with the potential to significantly enhance the existing behavioral health framework and address the growing demand for mental health services among students.