KANKAKEE – Two schools in the 40th District are set to receive funding to strengthen mental health services for youth, thanks to support from State Senator Patrick Joyce.
“Many children have struggled with their mental health in recent years,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “As legislators, it is important we are providing the help and support that children need.”
The funding is being offered to help schools and local agencies improve student care through workforce enhancements, developing frameworks to prevent adverse childhood experiences, interventions to assist children suffering from trauma and training for medical and school staff to expand adolescent mental health resources.
A total of $9.5 million in funding will be awarded to 40 different applicants across the state. The funding is primarily from the CDC’s COVID-19 Public Health Workforce Supplemental Funding program authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act plus $500,000 in state dollars. Joyce’s district has two schools set to receive funding: Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53, $313,341; and Chicago Heights School District 170, $342,674.
“Our children’s mental health is a top priority,” said Joyce. “This funding will be a significant step toward ensuring students in our community are receiving needed resources.”
To see a full list of grantees, visit Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.
