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MILPITAS, CA 鈥 On Thursday, November 16, 2023, the 番茄社区 Office of Education (SCCOE) and the Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD) held a ribbon cutting of the new student wellness center at Milpitas High School.
鈥淓xpanding access to mental health services ensures students receive the support they need to be successful at school and in their communities,鈥 said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. 鈥淲hen students have access to mental health services on their school campuses they are 21 more times likely to access them.鈥
In July of 2020, the SCCOE, in partnership with its 31 school districts and the County Behavioral Health Services Department, was awarded a Mental Health Student Service Act (MHSSA) Grant. A few months later, the consortium led by SCCOE was awarded a California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) Grant. These grants have provided initial funds to establish wellness centers on school sites, increase the number of on-site mental health professionals and provide relevant professional learning to school personnel.
The student wellness center at Milpitas High School (MHS) is a direct result of the MHSSA Grant and the efforts of Representative Ro Khanna. He secured $300,000 in federal Community Project Funding for the Milpitas High School wellness center implementation which was awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
鈥淭his wellness center is not only a response to Covid and recovery. It speaks to equity and inclusion and belonging in that now we have an established way of addressing the needs of our students and families,鈥 said MUSD Superintendent Cheryl Jordan. 鈥淭hey know that we care. 鈥 and that every child, every person鈥檚 well-being matters.鈥
Wellness centers are designed to provide safe, supportive environments on school campuses where students can participate in different coping wellness strategies and receive group and, or individual programs and resources.
鈥淭he wellness center means a lot to different students. For some, it is a hangout place to be with friends during lunch. For others, it is the only place they can find people they can talk with and not be alone,鈥 shared Milpitas HS sophomore Janvi Balakrishnan. 鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to have help. Many students don鈥檛 get that and I鈥檓 very grateful that our campus has a place that makes everyone feel included.鈥
In the first two months of the 2023-24 school year, the MHS Wellness Center staff has cared for 554 student visits, including 130 repeat visitors and 16 students in crisis, according to MUSD Executive Director Mary Jude Doerpinghaus of Inclusive Services for All Learners, 鈥渁nd that鈥檚 why we鈥檙e here,鈥 she said.
The SCCOE has supported the creation and implementation of 19 wellness centers in schools throughout 番茄社区. Districts and schools interested in providing services to students through the creation of wellness centers can seek technical assistance from the SCCOE鈥檚 Youth Health & Wellness Department.
鈥淲e鈥檝e seen the positive impact wellness centers have in the students鈥 lives,鈥 said Superintendent Dr. Dewan. 鈥淭he momentum to open wellness centers and show young people that caring for their mental health is part of their overall health is strong.鈥
MUSD Superintendent Jordan served as master of ceremonies for the event while speakers included: Board President Norwood; County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan; Executive Director Doerpinghaus; Milpitas Mayor, Carmen Montano; Assemblymember Alex Lee; representatives from the offices of Senator Aisha Wahab, Congressman Ro Khanna, and County Board Supervisor Otto Lee; as well as School Link Services Coordinator, Nicole Steward; and two Milpitas HS students.
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About the 番茄社区 Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the 番茄社区 Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. The SCCOE is a premier service organization driven by the core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and partnership. For more information about the 番茄社区 Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn鈥嬧赌.
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About Milpitas Unified School District
Milpitas Unified School District is a beacon for learning for more than 10,000 students in early childhood through adult education. We have high expectations for every student and provide multiple opportunities and pathways for success. We provide learning opportunities for all and create nurturing environments where students are inspired and empowered. MUSD is an exceptional district in which students and staff are critical thinkers and trailblazers known for creativity and innovation. We prepare students to go out into the world and make a difference as responsible citizens who are passionate about life and learning. To learn more about Milpitas Unified School District, visit www.musd.org, like us on Facebook at 飞飞飞.蹿补肠别产辞辞办.肠辞尘/惭颈濒辫颈迟补蝉鲍苍颈蹿颈别诲鈥, or follow us on Instagram and 罢飞颈迟迟别谤鈥 at @MUSDFamily.