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Students, parents and medical professionals urge Hamilton County board to reinstate Centerstone school mental-health services
Summary
Dozens of students and community members told the Hamilton County Board of Education during public comment that removing Centerstone counseling services from schools harms students and increases suicide risk. Speakers urged the board to reinstate the contract while the district completes a request-for-qualifications process.
Dozens of students and community members addressed the Hamilton County Board of Education during the meeting's public-comment period to urge the board to restore Centerstone mental-health services in county schools.
Students and parents said the services provided on-site counseling and crisis intervention that some families cannot otherwise afford. “Please choose to be the light for those who are suffering right now,” student speaker Ada Herndon said, addressing the board. Alexis Porter, another student speaker, cited national data: “In 2023, CDC found that 4 in 10 students had persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness,” she said, adding that untreated mental health problems can lead to suicidal behavior.
The pleas included personal accounts. Student speaker Mark Herndon (adult ally/speaker) described family and community impact;…
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