LEONARDTOWN, MD — In a significant step toward enhancing mental health support for students, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has secured a $1.435 million grant from the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports. This funding, announced on February 20, 2024, aims to broaden access to behavioral health services across Maryland, focusing on the youth in St. Mary’s County.
The grant, part of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, supports expanding services at two School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) in Margaret Brent and Spring Ridge Middle Schools. Scheduled to commence in the summer of 2024, the initiative will introduce comprehensive behavioral health services, including onsite evaluations, individual and family counseling, care coordination, and youth mentoring.
SMCHD’s approach to health care in schools is inclusive, offering services to all SBHC-enrolled students and employees of St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS), irrespective of their host school. Additionally, the centers remain accessible to community members who join the SBHC program after school hours. The health department ensures that everyone, regardless of their health insurance status, can receive care, providing a range of services from routine medical care to urgent treatment for various health concerns. A sliding fee scale is available for uninsured individuals, ensuring equitable access to essential health services.
Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer, highlighted the grant’s significance in expanding the community’s vital behavioral health services and youth development programs. She expressed gratitude for the state and county’s investment in the School-Based Health Centers, which has paved the way for securing additional grants and services. Dr. Brewster also acknowledged the efforts of Lisa Nelson, SMCHD Clinical Services Division Director, and her team for acquiring the grant.
The Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports, tasked with developing a statewide framework to enhance student behavioral health service access, represents a collaborative effort to address the growing need for mental health support in schools. The funding received by SMCHD underscores a broader commitment to ensuring the well-being of Maryland’s youth, providing them with the necessary resources to thrive both academically and personally.
As St. Mary’s County prepares to roll out these new services, the initiative promises to significantly impact the mental health and overall well-being of students. By integrating behavioral health services into the school environment, SMCHD aims to create a supportive and nurturing space for students to receive the care they need.
For more information about the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports, visit the Maryland Department of Health’s website. Details about the School-Based Health Centers and the services they offer can be found on the SMCHD website.
