By Bob Katzen
The Healey Administration announced it is soliciting innovative ideas from educators, providers and community partners on how to strengthen mental health support for Bay State students, from birth through higher education.
The administration seeks this input while it is currently developing a framework that will guide a coordinated statewide strategy to strengthen mental health support in Massachusetts, improving alignment among early education providers, K-12 schools, higher education institutions, families and community-based service systems.
“This is an opportunity for practitioners, community organizations, researchers and educators to help shape the future of student mental health in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. “We are looking for bold, thoughtful ideas that are grounded in evidence, centered in equity and built to last.”
“Supporting mental and behavioral health from the earliest years is essential to helping every learner thrive,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “We know that strong early foundations are critical, and we’re proud to be part of this statewide effort to align partners and systems. By working together and inviting new ideas, we can build a more connected, responsive approach that supports children, families and educators across Massachusetts.”
“This administration is committed to supporting the mental health of students of all ages,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Developing a statewide framework for mental and behavioral health will allow us to better align and integrate supports throughout students’ educational journey.”
“Strong mental health support should be a throughline in a student’s educational journey,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “I look forward to the commonwealth establishing a cohesive approach that will support students’ mental health needs not only when they arrive at college, but well before.”
For more information and to learn how to submit an idea, go to http://www.commbuys.com/bso/