Bay County board approves mental health assistance plan, outlines in-person vaping education for grades 6–12

The Bay County School Board voted July 22 to approve the district’s Mental Health Assistance Plan, which keeps existing K–5 programming and moves to in-person, evidence‑based prevention for substance use and suicide risk among grades 6–12.

Miss Cape, a district staff member presenting the plan, said the Monique Burr Foundation curriculum has been used in Bay District Schools since 2016 for K–5 in partnership with the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. She reported that last school year 176 students were referred to school staff or the advocacy center following program lessons; separate education and diversion programs reached roughly 190 students in the district, with 120 receiving four weeks of direct education and relatively few returning for subsequent interventions.

To address vaping, which staff described as “a huge” problem, the district said it will replace a primarily online program with live, in‑person instruction delivered by mental‑health professionals for grades 6–12. The district characterized the new approach as an evidence‑based program (EBP) intended to give mental‑health professionals the opportunity to have direct conversations with students about substance use and suicide prevention.

The motion to approve was made by Mr. Chester and seconded by Mr. Register; the roll-call vote recorded yes votes from Miss Leonard, Mr. Chester, Mr. Moore, Mr. Register and Chairman Moss.

Presenters noted local partnerships including the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center, the sheriff’s office and other community organizations that will support prevention and diversion work. Details on metrics for year-to-year evaluation were discussed; staff identified counts of students served and re-referrals as measures already in use and said expanded in-person delivery will allow more robust observation of outcomes.