CDC Advocates for Improved Student Mental Health Support in Schools: A Comprehensive Guide

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released an action guide for school and district leaders that outlines six strategies to support students' mental health and well-being. The guide is designed to provide practical ways to implement each strategy, aiming to improve mental health support for students in educational settings.

CDC's Action Guide for School and District Leaders

The CDC's new action guide is a pioneering step towards prioritizing mental health in schools. The guide outlines six strategies to support students' mental health and well-being. It provides a roadmap for school and district leaders to implement these strategies effectively, aiming to make a significant difference in the mental health landscape within schools.

The guide includes research conducted by UNI professor Suzanne Freedman on forgiveness education with at-risk adolescents. Freedman’s study revealed that forgiveness education helped students recognize, express, and decrease anger. It also aided in developing perspective-taking skills, empathy, and compassion for one's offender and others. Recognized by the CDC, this work is a brilliant example of a targeted approach to nurture emotional development.

Resources for Mental Health Support

The CDC also provides a wealth of resources for help and support for mental health. These resources emphasize the importance of social connectedness for better mental health and emotional well-being. The CDC offers immediate support through various channels, such as calls, texts, and chats, ensuring that help is always at hand.

Additional Efforts to Improve School Environment

Meanwhile, the T4PA Center has launched four fact sheets to enhance state and local implementation of the U.S. Department of Education's Guiding Principles for Creating Safe, Inclusive, Supportive, and Fair School Climates. The 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act has expanded mental health services and provided support for creating safer school environments nationwide. This includes a $1 billion allocation through Title IV Part A for the Stronger Connections Grant.

A webinar will examine the benefits of creating a Family Wellness Plan and Mission Statement. The U.S Department of Homeland Security Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships and FEMA have also released the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. Furthermore, the National Center for Education Statistics at IES and the Bureau of Justice Statistics at the U.S. Department of Justice have published the Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety 2021.

Several states and school districts, such as Utah State Board of Education, Alabama State Department of Education, New Hampshire Department of Education, Sheridan County School District 2, and Raleigh Country School District, are taking actions related to Title IV Part A and the Stronger Connections Grant.

Moving Forward

The CDC's action guide is a significant leap towards improving mental health support in schools. By implementing the proposed strategies, school and district leaders can create a supportive environment that prioritizes students' mental well-being. Such initiatives ensure that students have the right resources and support to navigate their emotional and mental health challenges effectively.