Big bucks for student mental health are rolling into Santa Clara County, as officials announced a whopping $13.2 million grant program to kick mental illness to the curb in 40 schools. The plan is to open 28 new wellness centers for middle and high school students and sprinkle some magic on 12 already up and running. These cozy corners are set to be a haven for kids to chill out, spill their guts to a counselor, or score a referral for other health services.
Spearheading the charge is Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg, who's been waving the mental health flag, pointing out that "levels of depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other mental illnesses were on the rise among our youth" and that these issues "skyrocketed" during the pandemic, according to a statement on the county's news site. She's not playing games with the well-being of the county's kiddos—she wants every troubled teen to know it's A-OK to reach out for a helping hand.
Don't expect your typical snooze-fest health center. These wellness hubs will sport a mix of books, games, yoga, and music, aiming to make taking care of your noggin as normal as hitting the gym. Each center will be manned by an admin person who'll keep the fort and a clinician who will do the heavy lifting with screenings and the like. James R. Williams, County Executive, mentioned with a dollop of pride for their mission to enhance the lives of the county's youth.
Zelia Faria Costa, the big cheese at the Children, Youth and Family System of Care, told the county's news hub that these centers are just a piece of their master plan to support kiddos from all angles, from prevention to intervention to treatment if that's what it takes. Michael Elliott, a top dog at Valley Health Foundation, echoed that sentiment, tipping his hat to the Board of Supervisors and charitable souls like Sobrato Philanthropies for putting their wallets where their hearts are.
The cash stash for this mental health bonanza is sourced from a mix of federal COVID-19 relief dollars, state funds earmarked for mental health, and generous foundation contributions. Schools currently sporting wellness centers have shared tales of transformations. Monroe Middle's principal, Ruth Stephens Radle, observes a tight bond between students and staff and a spark in student self-advocacy after plugging into the wellness hub, proving that a little investment can go a long way.
