Thriving in the hallway: School-centered behavioral health

The Wellmark Foundation made $5 million in grants available to eligible rural Iowa schools to foster lasting, sustainable mental and behavioral health programs by addressing constraints associated with access to care for youth.

Mental and behavioral health services supported through the program include:

  • Mental/behavioral health care professional employed by or dedicated to the school (part-time or full-time) and available to provide treatment in the school for all students in need
  • Technology procured by the school that enables telehealth access to mental/behavioral health services for students
  • Dedicated administrative staff employed by the school to coordinate onsite mental/behavioral therapy sessions

View our news release

SBHG News Release.jpg

Supporting student well-being

Launched in 2025, the School-Centered Behavioral Health Grant enables better health outcomes for Iowa’s youth by meeting kids where they are, removing barriers to access mental and behavioral health services and supporting the critical role schools play in the development of Iowa youth.

Style
block-padding-bottom, block-padding-top, background-blue--50

Grant in action

AdobeStock_526512772.jpeg

Grant expands mental health care at St. Mary’s

Source: Storm Lake Radio

AdobeStock_1695937126.jpeg

How Brain Health Retreat Rooms are transforming student well-being in Ottumwa

Source: Global Wellness Times

Style
block-padding-bottom, block-padding-top