PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Various Rhode Island leaders and school officials announced a statewide mental health partnership Thursday.
State officials say this is an attempt to address the growing youth mental health crisis and improve student attendance.
Rhode Island Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green said the state is partnering with Hazel Health, a school-based telehealth provider.
He said the service will be available both at school and at home and will reach about 130,000 students in the state.
“Through our partnership with Hazel Health, we aim to remove barriers to care and build a foundation for children to grow healthier and provide additional support,” she said. . “Students will be able to meet virtually with a licensed mental health provider at school and, most importantly, at home.”
Professor Infante Green explores how the COVID-19 pandemic has left a mark on students’ mental health, and the steps school and state leaders must take to combat the lingering effects. He said there was.
“This program is designed to complement and support what is already happening in schools,” she said. “But we know there are needs now that we didn’t anticipate five to 10 years ago.”
Dr. Travis Gales, Hazel Health’s chief health officer, said making this service available at school and at home removes many barriers that might otherwise exist and allows students to We said it will increase the pool of providers you have access to.
“With the Hazel platform, students can access services within days rather than weeks or months after receiving a referral,” he said.
Gov. Dan McKee said providing students with more accessible mental health care services will also improve school attendance.
“Our goal is to ensure that we do everything we can to meet these needs and put young people on the path to a better future,” he said.
