Peace Wapiti Public School Division has partnered with Saddle Hills County to provide additional mental health support to its most northern students with an increase of $112,500 in additional mental health funding for another Outreach and Mental Health Professional.
Saddle Hills County Reeve Kristen Smith says they’re thrilled to be able to help provide mental health supports to rural students and their families.
“The lack of services and ability to access supports in rural areas has always been challenging. By partnering on this program, we hope to remove some of these barriers and provide crucial early intervention support tailored to each individual’s needs,” Smith adds.
The new hybrid position provides direct clinical support to students, and will serve as a key connector between students, families, school staff, and community-based mental health resources.
PWPSD Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, Ashley Mercer says the Outreach and Mental Health Professional will play an important role in early mental health intervention.
“Mental health disorders impact over 20% of the population, and research has shown that early intervention is the best predictor of positive outcomes for students. Early intervention, assessment, diagnosis, and effective treatment is the only proven method for suicide prevention.”
The Outreach and Mental Health Professional position will be implemented for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.
