UMiss Secures $2.6 Million Boost to Enhance Youth Mental Health Programs

The University of Mississippi (UMiss) in Oxford just received a significant boost—a three-year grant of $2.6 million from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This funding will enhance counseling services for youth across Mississippi and improve preschool education for teachers.

The UMiss School of Education will put $1.5 million towards its Clinic for Outreach and Personal Enrichment (COPE). This program aims to address the shortage of counseling support for students from preschool to high school, as well as for teachers and staff. Additionally, the Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities initiative is set to get $1.1 million to deliver an engaging curriculum to preschool teachers and families, focusing on education, health, and well-being.

“We want to break down the barriers that prevent access to counseling,” said Richard Balkin, chair of the Department of Leadership and Counselor Education. “These barriers can be due to location, disabilities, transportation issues, or lack of insurance. Our services are not just for northern Mississippi; we’re reaching out to underserved areas.”

This initiative comes at a crucial time. According to a recent report from the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 1 in 5 students experience mental health issues, a number that has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many schools across the country struggle to provide adequate mental health support.

By focusing on both mental health and education, UMiss aims to create a nurturing environment for students and their families. As the conversation about youth mental health continues to grow, these efforts could set a valuable precedent for other institutions in the U.S.

Overall, the work being done at UMiss highlights the importance of accessible education and support services for children. Through dedicated efforts and community outreach, they hope to make a lasting impact on the future of Mississippi’s youth.

For more information on the mental health initiatives in education, check out this report from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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