District officials report growing use of school wellness centers and STARS clinicians
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Summary
Directors reported expansion of school-based wellness centers and STARS clinician referrals across district high schools, citing over 1,000 visits year‑to‑date and partnerships with community behavioral‑health providers and TAD Health for data and billing.
District leaders on Feb. 12 described an expanding school‑based mental‑health system that includes STARS clinicians and on‑site wellness centers at multiple high schools.
Leslie Bauman, STARS coordinator, said student referrals have been substantial this year: Nevada Union recorded 128 STARS referrals, Bear River 61, Silver Springs 202 and Godotie four. She described the Bear River wellness center as a hub for intervention and said the district now offers groups for nicotine and substance cessation, mindfulness sessions and lunchtime activities.
Tiffany, the Nevada Union wellness center coordinator, explained that referrals come from teachers, counselors and case managers and that students use the center for ‘quiet time’ or brief check‑ins. She estimated more than 1,000 visits so far this school year and nearly 200 unique students served.
Director Tim Reed outlined how the effort is funded and sustained: an SBHIP settlement grant provided roughly $800,000 to start wellness centers and the district participates in California’s Children, Youth and Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). The district also uses a HIPAA‑compliant EHR, TAD Health, to store clinician data and facilitate billing for allowable services. For higher‑level therapeutic needs, the district makes referrals through Care Solace to community providers.
Trustees praised the services and asked for additional data and access to site‑level scorecards.
Outcome: No board action required; trustees encouraged continued investment and public tours of the wellness centers.
