Humboldt and Mendocino Counties Receive $2.5 Million in State Mental Health Funding to Expand Public School Program

Mike McGuire

Mike McGuire

Press release from the Office of Senator Mike McGuire:

Millions of dollars in critical mental health funding will flow into both Humboldt and Mendocino counties from a state Mental Health Services Act grant fund established last year by the legislature.

$5 million was recently approved by the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission for both Mendocino and Humboldt counties ($2.5 million each) to build on their partnerships with schools to address mental illness among children and teens.

“Nearly one in six young people experience a mental health disorder each year and we know the Coronavirus has made life even more challenging for these amazing kids. These grant funds will be put to good use and will help improve the lives of countless students by expanding programming and positions providing kids with the support they need to thrive. This funding couldn’t have come at a more critical time,” Senator Mike McGuire said. 

The 4-year grants that have an anticipated start date of fall 2020 were awarded to address goals regarding mental illness including, but not limited to; expanded counseling services at schools sites, expanded peer counseling, suicide prevention programming, enhanced family support for low income students and homeless students, stigma and dropout prevention and so much more.

 Humboldt and Mendocino counties were the only two jurisdictions from the state to receive the grant in the rural county category.

“The Mental Health Student Services Act grant brings an exciting opportunity to increase connections between students and families and mental health support services in the school setting. With the COVID pandemic, we are having to think outside the box and have the opportunity to grow as a team in creating support services around an online school setting. We are encouraged that this will allow our community agencies and schools to build support networks and a community of education and health amid our current pandemic,” said Jenine Miller, Mendocino County Behavioral Health Director.

In Humboldt County, the additional funding will be used to expand its Bridges to Success program which is a partnership between the county office of education, the department of public health, and the department of health and human services. Launched over a year ago, the program provides crisis response and stabilization for youth throughout the schools. The additional grant funding from the state will create new regional navigator positions and staff to expand the program.

“The $2.5 million in OAC funds Humboldt County is receiving is a very welcomed addition to funds we have already received to serve children and families in partnership with our local schools. It will allow us to expand the crisis triage/crisis prevention services to students and families we initiated through previous grant funding at a time when we are seeing increasing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the previous school year we received 335 referrals for these types of services, with more than 100 additional walk-in requests. We anticipate this need continuing and likely growing, so now is the perfect time to be strengthening the supports and systems in place for this population,” said Humboldt County Behavioral Health Director Emi Botzler-Rodgers, LMFT.

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7 Comments
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I like stars
Guest
I like stars
3 years ago

How does this work in conjunction with ‘distance learning’?

A cynic might think it will provide nothing more than additional highly paid, ineffective positions at the HCOE.

Willie Bray
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

🕯🌳Why are you so negative. I’ll agree I’d like to see how many hands will be in the pot,funds like this usually come with alot of red tape and that means alot of chances of dirty fingers skimming from the pile. Who’s going to be watch were it goes? And how like stars said will they make sure that all the right people at home get the right treatment or help?

Lady Luck
Guest
Lady Luck
3 years ago
Reply to  I like stars

Kids are in desperate need of mental health services. I see it all the time. I work with high risk youth and many of them are suffering from mental health issues or are even suicidal. Services are extremely hard to get in our area. Making counseling services more accessible to young people will save lives. I know many people who are getting counseling services online via Zoom. It’s not an ideal model but it’s better than nothing and it keeps everyone safe. That is not difficult to understand is it?

I like stars
Guest
I like stars
3 years ago
Reply to  Lady Luck

If ‘distance therapy’ actually works, great. I am simply skeptical. I am in favor of spending on mental health. I just want people to actually receive effective services.

Unflappable Jack
Guest
Unflappable Jack
3 years ago

Finally, now we can find out what’s wrong with these so called teachers.

Lady Luck
Guest
Lady Luck
3 years ago

Have you even spent one day in a classroom? Obviously you are clueless. I spent 20 years in the profession and I’ve met some of the most talented dedicated people I’ve ever known in my entire life. I bet you’re an armchair quarterback too. LOL . How about doing something good for your community instead of criticizing people that are.

The Real Brian
Guest
The Real Brian
3 years ago

If I’m not mistaken, your commenting on a former teachers property right now.

Makes you look silly, at least.

All the teachers I know are awesome people.