Prince George’s County Public Schools announced more than $24 million in grants that will bring in 18 different nonprofit organizations to help students with mental health issues in schools across the county.
PGCPS leaders received a huge check for $24 million and announced that the money would go towards mental health services. (WTOP/John Domen) PGCPS leaders announced they received a huge check for $24 million and that the money will go towards mental health services. (WTOP/John Domen)
Student mental health has received more attention lately, something Prince George’s County Public Schools Superintendent Millard House has emphasized since he took over in 2023.
On Friday, the school system announced more than $24 million in grants that will bring in 18 different nonprofit organizations to help students in schools across the county. This funding comes from the Maryland Community Health Resources Board and the Community Support Coordination Consortium.
“Thanks to their efforts, this program will provide year-round wellness support to students,” House said. “This funding will allow us to expand mental health services across the district and provide a wide range of care that truly meets the growing needs of our schools.”
Governor Joseline Peña Melnyk signed and delivered a large check to celebrate this moment.
“This is a critical moment for our community in Prince George’s County,” Peña Melnyk said. “We’re so polarized. Everything that’s going on in the world, social media, this is not the era we grew up in. Our kids are facing a lot of issues and issues. So today we’re not just introducing new services from these 18 organizations; it’s also about building a future where all children can thrive academically, emotionally and spiritually.
The consortium that helped pay for the grant was established under Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future plan. Statewide, 137 grants worth about $114 million have been awarded to schools from Garrett County to the Eastern Shore.
“In total, these grants have helped more than 26,000 children in their first four months of life,” said Gloria Brown Barnett, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Human Services and former Prince George’s County social services director.
She is also a member of the consortium.
“The consortium currently funds services in more than 60 percent of Maryland’s public schools across the state,” Brown-Barnett said. “More than 400 staff members are employed by grant recipient organizations to perform this important work.”
The nonprofit organizations that win grants to help students in the county vary in their areas of expertise and the amount of funding they receive. Different programs are also aimed at students of different ages and their families. Some offer in-person services, while others offer telehealth opportunities. Areas of focus include stress and anxiety, other behavioral health issues, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“If kids aren’t OK for a number of years, we can’t really expect them to gain the momentum that we want them to gain to prepare for college and career,” House said. .
The announcement was made at Dr. Henry Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, where one of the school’s seniors agreed with the importance of providing this type of service.
“Mental health is important because it affects how you deal with stress, schoolwork, and relationships,” says Aronda Muñoz. “Without good mental health, these challenges can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout, making it difficult to focus, stay motivated, and enjoy learning. You’ll be more focused, more motivated, and more balanced even when you’re in a difficult situation.”
Sign up here to get the latest news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox.
© 2024 WTOP. All rights reserved. This website is not directed to users within the European Economic Area.
