Expanded School Mental Health site visits started on a positive note with visits to Monongalia and Webster County Schools.
The Marshall University School Health Technical Assistance Center (MUSHTAC) in the Division of Community Health, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and WVDHHR’s Bureau for Behavioral Health team received warm welcomes from Clay-Battelle MS/HS & Mason Dixon Elementary Schools in Monongalia County and Webster Springs Elementary & Hacker Valley Elementary Schools in Webster County.
The team toured each school, learning about the unique programs and student supports in place at each school from school principals, administrators, county representatives, students, faculty, and community stakeholders. Teams and supervisors from Camden Family Health, Camden on Gauley in Webster County and Crittenton Services, Inc. in Monongalia County were on hand to discuss partnerships, highlight successes and recognize challenges of first year implementation. ESMH teams discussed Summer plans, integration into school emergency/lockdown safety procedures, progress toward grant goals, student and staff highlights, and needs for the upcoming school year, among a myriad of topics.
These schools are the very hearts of their communities. The teams are passionate about making a difference in their communities via improved supports for students and families. Special shout out to the unofficial school mascot – Jeffrey the Dancing Cannibal Trout at Hacker Valley Elementary (*ask Garret K. or Tiffany P. for that story). Each school ESMH team was incredibly welcoming, and inspired dreams of future personal family visits to their communities.
We look forward to continuing site visits in a community near yours throughout the Summer!
