PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Various Rhode Island leaders and school officials announced a statewide mental health partnership on Thursday.
According to state officials, this is an attempt to address the growing youth mental health crisis and improving student attendance outcomes.
Rhode Island Education CommissionerAngélica Infante-Green said the state is partnering with Hazel Health,a school-based telehealth provider. She said the services will be available both in school and at home, and that it will be available for around 130,000 students across the state.
“With this partnership with Hazel Health, we are seeking to break down barriers to care and building a foundation for kids to be healthier and to thrive and to provide additional support,” she said. “Students will be able to see licensed mental health providers virtually, in school, and most importantly, at home.”
Infante-Green spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic has left a mark on students' mental health, and that this was a step school and state leaders had to take to fight against the lasting impacts.
“This program is meant to supplement and support what is already taking place in the schools,” she said. “But we know there is a need now that we did not foresee five to 10 years ago.”
Hazel Health Chief Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles saidby making this service available at school and at home, it is removing many obstacles that may be present otherwise and increasing pool of providers students have access to.
"The Hazel platform allows for students, after getting a referral, allows for students to access service in a matter of days, not weeks and months," he said.
Gov. Dan McKee said that providing a more accessible mental health care services to students will also help boost attendance in schools.
“Our goal is to address these needs and to make sure that we’re doing everting that we can to help our young people have a path towards a greater future," he said.
