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Parent thanks district for in-school bereavement counseling partnership with Ohio Health
Summary
A parent and district staff described a free, in-school bereavement counseling partnership with Ohio Health that connected grieving students to immediate and ongoing therapy, easing costs and logistics for families and providing campus-based emotional support.
Heather Olry, a Buckeye Valley parent and district guest, told the board the district's partnership with Ohio Health's Loss & Healing Services provided rapid, free grief counseling to her children after a family suicide and helped connect them to longer-term therapists and community bereavement resources. "Grace reassured me that she would be there for my girls when they were ready for [support]," Olry said, describing repeated school visits and summer meetings with a licensed counselor.
The presentation outlined how a school-based counselor offered immediate, on-campus sessions and helped the family navigate online therapy and bereavement camps at no cost. District staff and the parent said the public-private arrangement reduced financial and transportation barriers that can prevent students from accessing mental-health care.
District leaders thanked the speakers and paused the agenda to acknowledge the emotional testimony. The board received the update as an informational item; no formal action was taken. Officials said community donors help support the program, and the presenters urged continued awareness so other families can access the service.
