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Awareness programs don’t reduce mental health problems or crises
Earlier this month, the Trump administration pulled $2 billion in mental health grants only to restore them a day later. The whiplash left many educators frustrated, in particular because grants for student mental health through Project AWARE were part of the package. While the administration’s sudden action created unnecessary chaos for schools, the programs funded by Project AWARE deserve closer scrutiny. Despite good intention and bipartisan support, decades of research show these approaches simply don’t work.
Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education) grants were established after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting to connect more students with preventative mental health services. As Education Week reported, 139 grantees were receiving AWARE awards when the cut came.
Project AWARE funds go to mental health programs that fit a public health model targeting widespread awareness, prevention, and early intervention. Called “prevention” programs for short, they educate students and school staff about the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and emotional states, encourage and destigmatize mental health treatment, and expand access to screening and services for students whether or not they exhibit need. These programs have a worthy goal: prevent crises by identifying struggling students earlier.
Continue reading the entire piece here at EducationWeek
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Carolyn D. Gorman is a Paulson Policy Analyst at the Manhattan Institute.
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