OTTAWA AREA ISD RECEIVES MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR GRANT TO SUPPORT STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH - Sep 28, 2022
September 28, 2022

OTTAWA AREA ISD RECEIVES MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR GRANT TO SUPPORT STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently awarded Ottawa Area ISD grants totaling nearly $5.5 million over five years to develop a sustainable infrastructure for school-based mental health programs and services through Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (AWARE).

Multi-Tiered System of Supports Coordinator for OAISD, Amy Henry, said she is excited about this opportunity and the resources the grant will provide to the community. “Receiving the Project AWARE grant will allow us to expand upon current work happening in OAISD related to positive, predictable, and safe learning environments while also coordinating mental health and wellness supports in school settings,” said Henry. “This is truly an extraordinary gift to our community.”

The grant has four goals:

  • Create effective, comprehensive systems and structures to support Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) installation and implementation at a model demonstration district. 
  • Create an effective and efficient three-tiered system of support for students using an ISF model within a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework at the school level. 
  • Establish and continuously improve an effective and efficient single system for referrals for mental health supports/services in districts and schools. 
  • Increase knowledge and awareness of district/school staff, students, families, and communities around issues related to mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring issues/disorders among school-aged youth. 

“Incorporating the ISF model into our already established PBIS framework will streamline referrals for mental health supports and services for students across OAISD allowing us to more quickly provide help to students in need,” said Henry. “The grant funds will also allow us to educate staff, students, families, and communities around issues related to mental health, substance abuse and more.”

The grant monies will also provide resources to schools within the Ottawa Community Schools Network to continue to increase mental health support in schools sustainably and systematically. 

“The initiative and drive of our employees who are always looking for ways to make things better for our students and our community continues to amaze me, “ Kyle Mayer PhD., superintendent for Ottawa Area ISD, said. “Their dedication is inspiring!”

For more information, contact Michelle Ready at 616.738-8940 x4093  mready@oaisd.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. www.samhsa.gov

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District 

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible. To learn more about Ottawa Area ISD visit www.oaisd.org