The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools (FSPS) awards $61,000 for Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) in Springfield Public Schools.
“Our school counselors are amazing advocates for their students’ mental health. This program provides school counselors with more resources to help empower students to support not only their own mental health, but the mental health of those around them,” said Dr. Alison Roffers, Director of Counseling Services for Springfield Public Schools. “Teen Mental Health First Aid has been implemented within some of our high school buildings for the last two years, and now we will be able to ensure all high schools are able to participate. The SPS Counseling Services Department is grateful to the Foundation for SPS for their partnership in this endeavor.”
“The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools is committed to supporting mental health needs in SPS,” said Natalie Murdock, FSPS Executive Director. “When Dr. Roffers submitted the request, we knew it was a program we wanted to support. Prior to her request, the Foundation was working closely with counseling services to implement a mental health category for our Back to School Grant Program which launched during this year’s grant cycle,” said Murdock.
“SPS is so fortunate to have dedicated community partners who enable us to meet the needs of our 23,500 students,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. “The Foundation for SPS has a long history of steadfast support for our district’s mission and strategic plan. This significant donation makes it possible for us to expand our focus on mental health so that we are better prepared to help students through the most challenging circumstances. We appreciate all the donors who made this gift possible.”
The tMHFA is an in-person training designed for high school students to learn about mental illnesses and to help them identify and respond to friends who may be developing mental health or substance use problem. With this training, high school students will be empowered to assist their friends when a mental health problem or crisis becomes apparent.
