LEWISVILLE, TX (October 3, 2018) – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has awarded Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) with a Community Mental Health grant of $278,683 for the 2018-2019 school year to expand prevention and early intervention services which address the behavioral health needs of public school students and empower them to stay in school and on track for graduation.
Mental Health America explained in a 2016 report that “mental health and learning are deeply interwoven – strong mental health is a foundation for learning, and academic success impacts mental health.” Therefore, mental and behavioral health issues that go unnoticed can “distract from learning and school engagement, potentially leading to grade retention, extensive special education needs, school drop-out, or even juvenile justice involvement,” (Healthy Schools Campaign 2017).
Communities In Schools’ school-based programming is by far the most accessible resource for struggling students.
With support and funding from Texas HHSC, the CISNT AXIS to Health Initiative will build upon CISNT’s current service model and enhance community collaboration to surround students with a web of resources for mental and behavioral health. CISNT Site Coordinators serve full-time on school campuses and are uniquely positioned to bring resources into schools to address the growing behavioral health needs of North Texas students. CISNT staff are more involved now than ever before in supporting healthy school environments by implementing social-emotional wellness services, crisis response, campus-wide behavioral initiatives, trauma informed care, and supportive guidance.
The AXIS to Health Initiative continues CISNT’s work in mental health. In 2017, CISNT was awarded a 3-year grant from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, which supports CISNT’s full-time Mental Health Coordinator. CISNT will continue to provide direct services, training and education opportunities for school staff, parents, and community members regarding mental health awareness and resources. CISNT partners with 6 school districts in 36 campuses and will serve over 24,000 students in the 2018-2019 school year. CISNT seeks to help students understand and manage their emotional and mental health needs, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions that will lead to success in school and in life.
About Communities In Schools of North Texas
Communities In Schools of North Texas (CISNT) was founded in 1993 as a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. The mission of CISNT is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CISNT’s vision is that each child has the tools and guidance they need to succeed in school, graduate high school, and be prepared for college and/or career. Over the past 25 years, CISNT has successfully partnered with school districts to provide evidence-based dropout prevention programs in a safe school setting and help students address and eliminate barriers to their successful education. All CISNT programs support the idea that every child needs and deserves five basic things: 1) a one-on-one relationship with a caring adult; 2) a safe place to learn and grow; 3) a healthy start and healthy future; 4) a marketable skill prior to graduating; and 5) a chance to give back to peers and the community.
To learn more about Texas HHSC’s Community Mental Health Grant Program, click here.
