Greeley-Evans board proclaims May Mental Health Month, highlights partnership with North Range Behavioral Health

The Greeley-Evans School District 6 Board of Education voted unanimously May 11 to adopt a proclamation declaring May as Mental Health Month, recognizing the importance of behavioral health supports for students and staff and noting services available through North Range Behavioral Health.

The proclamation — presented by a board member — cites national statistics and local partnerships and names North Range Behavioral Health as a community safety-net provider that holds a certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) designation. The board approved the proclamation by a recorded unanimous voice vote.

Michaela Sanchez, marketing and community outreach director for North Range Behavioral Health, accepted the proclamation and told the board that the agency provides school-based services, counseling, crisis response, residential care and community supports, with an emphasis on access regardless of ability to pay. Sanchez said North Range works with schools, first responders and health partners and highlighted the organization’s suicide-prevention education and employee wellness collaborations with the district.

"We’re the safety-net provider," Sanchez said, noting the partnership includes on-site school therapists and prevention training for high school students and staff.

The proclamation and the board’s vote formalize the district’s recognition of mental-health needs and reaffirm an existing partnership with North Range; North Range representatives said they will continue to coordinate on school-based services and staff training.