ND Behavioral Health School Grants support student success statewide

BISMARCK, ND - North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is pleased to announce the continuation of the Behavioral Health School Grant program for the 2024 -2025 school year. This program is funded through an appropriation of $9.5 million from the 2023 legislative session. Applications for this school year can be submitted now through March 31, 2025, with funds expiring June 30, 2025.

During the 2023-2024 school year, the program saw remarkable success. All 24 eligible school districts and special education units applied for grant funds totaling over $2.7 million. These funds were allocated to various efforts, including direct services, curriculum, professional development, sensory and assessment, with over $1.9 million specifically directed towards behavioral health services for students.

“The Behavioral Health School Grant program is a vital resource for our communities, ensuring that school districts and special education units can address critical behavioral health gaps identified at their local level,” said Kayla Stastny, administrator of behavioral health in education at HHS. “By providing much needed funding for direct services, curriculum and professional development, we are empowering our schools to support the mental health and well-being of our students. This investment is a testament to our commitment to fostering a healthier, more resilient future for our youth and communities.”

Behavioral Health School Grant Impacts Highlights from 2023-2024 School Year

Examples of how some 2023-2024 recipients used grant funding are listed below.

Oliver Mercer Multidistrict Special Education Unit utilized $17,572 to support behavioral health services for their students during the school day. The school contracted for therapy services providing needed intensive care beyond the scope of school counseling and school social work services. These services allowed for more collaborative care for students, including streamlined referral and scheduling between the school and community behavioral health providers. Providers participated in offering feedback and recommendations for students, families and school staff, provided information for 504 and/or Individualized Education Plans as needed, and shared community resources.
Carrington Public School District used $14,625 for several efforts that improved behavioral health outcomes for students. This funding provided students with valuable experiences and opportunities, promoting kindness and mindfulness. The mindfulness practices aimed to help students manage feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, angry, fearful and sad.
Mandan Public Schools used $138,880 to partner with a licensed behavioral health professional providing family case management and mental health counseling services during the school day. This grant funding supported the establishment of effective clinical counseling for students who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it. Additionally, the school district hired a family case manager at the middle school through Nexus-PATH, providing comprehensive wrap-around services to some of the most at-risk families.

2024-2025 grant funding available

For the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, eligible school districts and special education units can apply for a total of nearly $4.5 million in grant funds, based on their North Dakota Medicaid reimbursements from the previous year. This funding will continue to support the critical behavioral health needs of students across North Dakota.

For more information about the Behavioral Health School Grant program, determine eligibility, and to apply for funding, visit www.hhs.nd.gov/education/grant-funding.

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