DESE Podcasts
DESE Podcasts
S.B.M.H. in Arkansas
S.B.M.H. in Arkansas
S.B.M.H. in Arkansas
Monday 9th March 2020
Discover how Project A.W.A.R.E. enhances student well-being with school-based mental health programs in Arkansas. Listen now on alcoholfree.com.
12 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Supportive
Hopeful
Engaging
About this podcast
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DESE Podcasts
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Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Sobriety Toolkit
Relationships & Community
Parenting & Children
Healing from Sexual Trauma
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Get the buttons here!School-Based Mental Health: Transforming Arkansas Schools with Project A.W.A.R.E.
But the key piece to a successful school-based mental health program in the state of Arkansas is really coordination of services and that looks a lot of different in a lot of ways.
Imagine a school where mental health support is as integral as math and reading. That's the vision behind Arkansas A.W.A.R.E., a project dedicated to advancing wellness and resiliency in education. In this episode, Dr. Betsy Kindall, Nicole Fairchild, and Dr. Stacy Moore dive into the landscape of school-based mental health (SBMH) in Arkansas. They chat about the state's strengths, areas for improvement, and the forward momentum in making mental health services accessible to students right where they learn. Dr.
Betsy Kindall, an educator and licensed school counselor, alongside Nicole Fairchild, a Licensed Professional Counselor, share their insights on how mental health services within schools can be a game-changer for students. They explain that SBMH aims to provide students with the emotional and social support they need to thrive academically. However, it's not without its challenges. Coordinating these services between schools and behavioral health agencies requires a dedicated champion in each district to ensure programs run smoothly.
The episode also highlights the Whole School, Whole Student, Whole Community (WSCC) model from the CDC, which emphasizes a holistic approach to student well-being. This model is being adopted in Arkansas schools to address not just the academic needs of students but their physical, emotional, and social needs as well. The hosts discuss how school-based health centers, which sometimes offer mental health services, are pivotal in this initiative.
Moreover, the episode underscores the importance of 'buffering adults'—teachers, counselors, and staff who provide emotional support to students. Innovative solutions like partnering with the elderly community for mentorship are also explored as ways to enrich student support systems. If you're curious about how you can contribute to this transformative project or simply want to understand more about the mental health initiatives in Arkansas schools, this episode is a must-listen.
The hosts’ blend of expertise and passion makes complex topics accessible and engaging, leaving you inspired to support mental health efforts in your own community.