American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would have a big positive impact if some of the dollars were directed to mental health services by qualified clinicians in our schools, elementary through high school.
Students are reflecting the stress, uncertainty, anxiety and depression that is widespread in our community among all ages. Mental health clinicians in our schools can provide the help needed to allow students to refocus their energy on learning.
Right now, limited mental health services are provided in a few schools in the Anchorage School District. Besides providing therapy for students, in-school clinicians serve as assistive resources for the teachers themselves, supplying guidance on how to help students in the classroom. Feedback from principals and teachers praises the positive impact on the students being served and on the entire classroom demeanor.
Our Anchorage School Board would be wise to recognize the value of increased funding of mental health services for all grade levels in our schools. The payoff would be better education outcomes for students, families and teachers.
— Cathy Giessel, MS, RN, APRN, FAANP
Anchorage
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