Derek Slap

SENATOR SLAP WELCOMES $250,135.73 IN LOCAL SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST SUPPORT IN NEXT THREE YEARS

Today, State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) welcomed the state’s announcement this week that $250,135.73 in state support will be released to schools in the 5th 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.

“Last year, I was proud to vote for legislation supporting local youth experiencing crisis, helping to get them connected with the aid they need,” said Sen. Slap. “It’s encouraging to see the results of that legislation in our district. It means students in need will have care and aid 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:

Bloomfield Public Schools, $238,739.48; Region 10 Schools, $113,906.25.