Charleston, West Virginia (WOWK) – Marshall University received over $1.6 million in grants to train mental health providers in schools in West Virginia.
Members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Joe Manchin and Sherry Moore Capito, announced today that the U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Program has awarded $1,660,220 to colleges. This funding will help train school-based mental health service providers employed by West Virginia schools and local educational institutions.
“Strengthening school-based mental health services is my number one priority,” said Senator Manchin. “We are delighted that the Department of Education is investing over $1.6 million in Marshall University. and will continue to advocate for resources to support students throughout Mountain State.”
The Department of Education’s Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Program provides funding to establish innovative partnerships between higher education institutions, local schools, and educational institutions, the senator said. We also provide training for school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals qualified to provide school-based mental health services.
Senator Capito said: While mental health problems among young people have increased over the past decade, counseling services in schools have not improved at the same rate. The grant will provide Marshall University with resources to train a new generation of mental health professionals who make the classroom a place where children are excited to learn. ”
The senator said the goal of the Department of Education’s Mental Health Services Professionals Demonstration Program is to bring a pipeline of these workers to low-income public schools to address the shortage of school-based mental health services professionals. It is said that it is to expand.
