State Senator
Herron Keyon Gaston
Deputy Majority Leader
Empowering Communities, Driving Change
- Representing
- Bridgeport ,
- Stratford
Today, State Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport) welcomed the state’s announcement that $406,976.40 in state support will be released to schools in the 23rd Senate District to support the hiring and retention of school mental health specialists for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 school years. These grants were spurred by the passage of key legislation passed in 2022 by Senate Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.
“Students undergo serious stress every day and we need to be there to guide them with the resources needed and make sure help is available,” said Sen. Gaston. “I am thankful this funding will allow children to have easier access to mental health resources in their schools.”
“Every child deserves essential support for behavioral health services, and through the release of these grants we are able to assist more school districts in hiring mental health workers,” Governor Lamont said. “Making these resources available in schools is a way we can easily and directly connect children and teens with the support they require.”
The following school systems will receive mental health support funds for the 2024 through 2026 school years, with the values representing the total amounts provided in that time:
Great Oaks Charter School, $244,976.40; Bridge Academy, $162,000.