Nebraska schools have increasingly been making coordinated efforts towards school-based mental health support. However, gaps remain, particularly in rural communities where access to services can be limited. To meet the mental health needs of youth and families in these underserved areas, the Nebraska Partnership for Mental Healthcare Access in Pediatrics (NEP‑MAP) conducted a pilot project using Community Health Workers (CHWs) within three rural public health departments. Working in partnership with Educational Service Units (ESUs) and local schools, CHWs worked to help bridge gaps and connect students and families to mental health resources and supports.
Join this one-hour webinar to learn more about the pilot project, including implementation of lessons, challenges, opportunities, and strategies for success. The pilot team will discuss how local health departments and schools can collaborate to improve access to mental health services and strengthen school-community partnerships through the CHW workforce.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe how Community Health Workers could contribute to the goals of supporting student mental health.
- List at least two facilitators of successful partnership for Community Health Workers and school mental health.
- List at least two challenges Community Health Workers faced in this setting.
Sponsors
University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (NUPPC), Nebraska Partnership for Mental Healthcare Access in Pediatrics (NEP‑MAP), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and Nebraska Association Local Health Directors (NALHD)