The Board of Health discussed mental health services for schools as the city seeks to strengthen bullying prevention efforts.
Board of Health Director Sharon Cameron is working with the mayor to strengthen mental health support in local schools, a renewed effort since the suicide of a 14-year-old from Higgins Middle School in May.
Cameron said they are looking to put additional services in place, and are currently renegotiating with the vendor who provides school health services.
In collaboration with the NAN Project, a suicide prevention organization, the Board is working on a comprehensive response, beginning with the promotion of the “QPR,” or “Question, Persuade, Refer” technique.
“They will be hosting workshops to address issues of how to talk to kids, and what signs and symptoms should cause you to worry,” Cameron explained.
Because of larger federal-level budget cuts, however, she announced a 10% cut in funding for the school health services grant; a reduction that could affect the contract with the services provider.
