$2.27M Grant to Address Student Mental Health Services

CANFIELD, Ohio – The Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio and Kent State University are collaborating through a five-year, $2.27 million grant to strengthen mental health services in schools served by the educational service center. 

The Northeast Ohio Helpers: Building Capacity for Inclusive Mental Health Services initiative will focus on addressing the critical shortage of mental health providers in schools by training and placing diverse school psychologists in high-need districts.

The initiative will provide full scholarships and cost-of-living stipends to trainees who are dedicated to serving local schools. This program will increase the availability of culturally responsive mental health services, ensuring that students receive care from professionals who understand and reflect the communities they serve, a news release states.

The trainees involved in the project will gain practical experience in schools within eastern Ohio, working on mental health assessments, implementing evidence-based interventions and collaborating with educators to support student well-being. The “grow-your-own” model ensures that these professionals are more likely to remain in the region after their training, fostering long-term sustainability and continued support for local students, the release states.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.