OPS planning to expand resources after receiving mental health grant

OWENSBORO, Ky. (WFIE) - Owensboro Public Schools are already back in the classroom and this year they’re getting some new resources.

The Kentucky Board of Education has chosen Owensboro public schools to receive a mental health grant worth $450,000 to help support the mental health of its students.

It’s all in an effort to create safe, healthy and supportive schools and focus on the mental health of Owensboro students.

The Stronger Connections grant is part of a nationwide billion dollar grant first initiated by President Biden in 2022.

School officials say the Stronger Connections grant will be rolled out over the next three years to fund two new student assistant coordinator positions.

In Kentucky, 28 school districts were chosen to receive parts of this funding including our very own Owensboro Public Schools.

The grant will be used to expand the district’s staff with two new mental health professionals that are available to students and families of all ages. That’s for issues with mental health, drug and alcohol prevention.

“They’re able to serve kids all throughout the district for a variety of needs so this is big they’re going to be able to do individual counseling group counseling, meet with our families work with our outside service providers and just do what they need to do to make sure our students are receiving the mental health support and the services that they need,” said OPS District Mental Health Coordinator, Summer Bell.

The two positions have not yet been filled for the district.

Click here if you’re a mental health professional and interested in serving the students of Owensboro.

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