Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Health Wellness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Talawanda presents annual wellness report; $2 million federal behavioral health grant enters fourth year
Summary
Talawanda City School District's health and wellness coordinator summarized year'long programming funded partly by a four'year, $2 million federal HRSA award and described prevention and intervention initiatives including SBIRT, Second Chance cessation education and early results on reduced e'cigarette use.
Amy Masechko, Talawanda City School District health and wellness coordinator, presented the district's annual wellness report on June 19, highlighting locally run prevention efforts, partnerships and federal funding that support student behavioral health.
Nut graf: The presentation described a consortium'led approach to behavioral health (the Hope Cooperative) and said Talawanda has received a subaward from a four'year HRSA grant totaling $2,000,000 that supports prevention, treatment and recovery programming across the community. The report emphasized in'school screening, alternatives to suspension, and family resources.
Key points from the presentation - Grant and consortium: Masechko said the district is entering the fourth year of a $2,000,000 federal grant to support mental and behavioral health across the continuum (prevention, treatment, recovery). The district is a consortium member that formed the Hope Cooperative. - Prevention and screening: SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, referral to treatment) is in use across schools; school nurses are trained to screen and the district offers reserved clinician time for students seeking help. - Second Chance and cessation: The district'run online alternative to suspension program (Second Chance) focuses on e'cigarette education and skill building. Administration reported survey outcomes showing 86% of participants reported decreased use and 93% had attempted to quit after the program; over half said they were likely or very likely to quit. - Student engagement and programs: The AmpliFY Brave Voices campaign (student'led creative and research work) and local programs such as Kramer Breakfast Club and Zones of Regulation were described as ongoing supports. - Employee wellness: District plans include wellness carts for staff and in'person/virtual programs (Zentangle) funded through the Butler health plan and HRSA funds.
Masechko said student participants reported stressors such as loneliness and anxiety as drivers for substance use; the programs aim to provide alternatives, skills and referral options. Board members asked about Medicaid and SNAP participation rates in the district; Masechko said she would provide district figures later (she did not have them at the meeting). The board praised the work and recognized the district'community funders that support the efforts.
Ending: The district said it will continue to apply federal and local resources to prevention and mental health services and promised updates on survey results and program expansion.
