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Hawes Health outlines school‑based behavioral services serving Hampshire County students
Summary
Hawes Health Center told the Hampshire County Board of Education it now has six therapists working in county schools and reported survey results showing 95% of respondents said students benefit from school‑based behavioral health services; the group urged space and credentialing steps to expand to South Branch.
Hawes Health Center representatives updated the Hampshire County Board of Education on the nonprofit’s school‑based behavioral health program, which the presenter said first entered an agreement with the board in October 2019 and was renewed in February 2025. "In October, 8th of 20 19, HAZ Health entered into an agreement with the Hampshire County Board of Education," the presenter told the board and later said the organization had signed another agreement on "02/17/2025."
The presenter reported Hawes now staffs six therapists in Hampshire County, five licensed at the independent level and one close to licensure, and described annual survey results showing broad support: "95% who answered this survey said, yes," he said when summarizing the feedback. He said 72% of survey respondents indicated students would not receive services if they were not offered in school, and that 89% would recommend the program. The presenter and board members emphasized the program’s lower classroom‑time impact compared with off‑site care: a typical in‑school session is about an hour a week versus half a day or more for off‑campus appointments.
Board members asked how Hawes coordinates with the county’s communities‑and‑schools coordinators and whether clinicians can be placed at South Branch. Hawes said the organizations make referrals back and forth and that the provider focuses on therapy while coordinators handle case management. On South Branch specifically, the presenter said a federal change‑of‑scope and adequate, dedicated space are required before the organization can place a clinician there; the credentialing and facility‑approval process could take "2, 3 months, maybe 6 months."
Board members thanked the presenter and noted counseling staff and school coordinators are aware of Hawes services and can refer students; the presenter said Hawes also conducts outreach at back‑to‑school nights and through local medical providers. The board did not take a formal vote related to the presentation.
