Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1466725
APRIL/MAY 2022 | maconmagazine.com 105 students on a regular and weekly basis depending on their needs. When she's not speaking to students individually, she's going into classes to teach students about emotional management, wellness and character. The school also provides a social and emotional development curriculum, which is grade specific. The middle school uses it weekly and the high school uses it monthly. "I have an open-door policy. Any student can come see me," said Berchell. "The whole staff is very supportive of their students seeing me or any other counselor I refer them to." Teachers at FPD are trained twice a year to deal with mental health and crisis management in their classrooms and what to watch out for. They all must attend a seminar at the beginning of the school year and another in the second semester. This is something Head of School Dr. John Patterson said he takes very seriously. "While it's important for us to address any current problems, it is really more about prevention for us," said Patterson. "My job is to do basic training on how we assess threats. What looks dangerous? And what do I do with dangerous?" While training teachers, FPD also trains students. They have a motto that says, "When in doubt, give a shout." Patterson said they are as transparent as possible with their students. "Everything we are doing on the front end, I think it all leads to a student feeling safer," said Patterson. "When a student feels safe in their seat, that is the beginning of learning." PROJECT AWARE In September 2020, Bibb County Public Schools was awarded a five- year federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) to create Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education). Project AWARE is aimed to better address the mental health needs of students in the school district. Tajalyn Woodruff is the Project AWARE Coordinator for Bibb County Schools. She and a team of mental health clinicians work together to bridge the mental health gap in public schools. They conduct outreach, bring curriculum into schools and provide direct services and referral services. "We do progress monitoring of students who are enrolled in our services," said Woodruff. "We are not only saying, 'hey this student has a concern and here is a recommendation for services,' but we are following up. We want to know how those services are going and what else we can do for them. We don't want anyone to fall through the cracks." Since the start of Project AWARE in 2021, the office has received more than 500 requests for assistance for students. And while they are addressing current problems, their goal is to also provide education and prevention when it comes to behavioral health. In March, they celebrated "Peace Week" throughout county schools to promote mental wellness, kindness and emotional regulation. Teachers incorporated mental health related activities to promote peace and to educate students. Students at Bruce Elementary held a parade on campus to showcase their peace and kindness posters. "Each school had their own activities to promote peace week," said Woodruff. "It's all part of the big picture to get students comfortable to speak up." FIXING THE PROBLEM TOGETHER There is no clean-cut way to address mental health issues within youth, but our community is coming together to address these problems in different ways. Professionals suggest having open conversations with your children and teenagers and to get them involved in activities that will keep them busy, especially outdoor activities. Even if you're not a parent, it could be helpful to step up and become a mentor to someone in your community, whether it's through the Boys and Girls Club, Mentors Project of Bibb County or other organizations. Talking with our youth is crucial. Ask questions and listen. "It's important not to wait until a child reaches adolescence to address mental health," said Cissé. "Providing mental health support from birth is critical." Most importantly, if you see or know of someone struggling, get them the help they deserve. River Edge Behavioral Health also offers services for youth experiencing trouble with their mental health. Most services are available to the uninsured at little to no cost, based on sliding scale. River Edge provides mental health counselors in more LEFT: STRATFORD STUDENTS TAKE THE LEAD ON TEEN MENTAL HEALTH. RIGHT: STUDENTS AT BRUCE ELEMENTARY SHOWCASE THEIR PEACE POSTERS DURING 'PEACE WEEK,' A WEEK DEDICATED TO PROMOTING MENTAL WELLNESS.