NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Some Tennessee students' grades have improved after receiving services through a statewide program aimed at addressing mental health issues in schools, according to program officials. The attendance rate has improved.
Although school-based behavioral health liaison programs have been established in Tennessee for many years, they have only recently expanded to all counties in the state. In addition, the program received an additional $8 million in the Tennessee budget this year to create 114 additional behavioral health liaison positions.
“We're seeing an increase in the number of actual children struggling with anxiety, depression and drug use, not because anyone did or didn't do something. That's why we need more funding to keep up with those growing numbers. ,” Marie Williams said. , Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Thanks to new funding from the state, an additional 24,000 students will have access to behavioral health liaisons this year.
Armani Pittman, School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison Coordinator for Mental Health Cooperative, told News 2 the program is key to helping children grow up to lead quality lives as adults.
“I think it makes sense to start these interventions as early as possible because I think it's easier to raise strong children than to repair broken people,” Pittman said. “The more adverse childhood experiences you have, the more likely you are to have health problems in the future, the more likely you are to have mental health problems in the future, and the less likely you are to have a good quality of life.” Therefore, one way to counter the effects of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) is to provide mental health support. ”
Behavioral health officials said the leading mental health issues in schools this year are anxiety, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. However, with appropriate treatment, many students complete the program having met their treatment goals. Pittman also noted improved student performance.
“We've seen children's grades improve, their attendance improve, and their relationships with adults improve. It's so fulfilling and rewarding,” Pittman said.
The ultimate goal is to expand the behavioral health liaison program to every school in Tennessee, which would cost about $120 million.
