Local school districts receive funds for mental health services

Nearly $780,000 in donated funds was distributed to Kerrville, Hunt and Ingram independent School districts to support grief counseling and mental health services for teachers and students as part of a broader $1 million commitment to help the Hill Country Community heal.  On Monday, agencies and school officials outlined how the money has been used so far.  They said emotional trauma does not follow a set timeline, and some children and adults are only now realizing they need support.

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country previously committed $1 million in donations to mental health needs after a study by Meadows Mental Health Policy found that access to care was critical to the community’s recovery.  The non profit has committed $6.2 million dollars total to mental health needs.

School district officials said the funding has helped support both students and staff members, especially teachers helping children navigate grief while processing their own emotions.

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country said it is working with at least 13 nonprofits dedicated specifically to mental health.  One mental health agency said it is seeing about 20 new clients each month.  The foundation said the work is also helping create a model for how communities can respond to mental health needs after a disaster.