May 17, 2024 - Taylor, PA
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) visited Riverside High School to highlight their work to support student mental and behavioral health with PCCD school safety mental health grant funding. PCCD recently awarded $155 million in federal and state school safety funding, including $90 million in formula-based school mental health grants to support school-based mental and behavioral health supports, including the hiring of counselors and other resources for students. This funding was a top priority proposed by Governor Shapiro and enacted in the 2023-24 state budget. The Governor has doubled down on this significant investment in his proposed 2024-25 budget, again showing the importance of youth mental health and wellbeing to the Shapiro-Davis Administration. "The most recent data from the Pennsylvania Youth Survey shows that four in 10 students reported feeling depressed or sad most days, and the number of students reporting self-harm, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts has increased in recent years, said PCCD Executive Director Mike Pennington. "The numbers don't lie- mental health concerns are prevalent among our youth. At the state level we will continue to ensure that Pennsylvania schools have the resources they need to provide the mental health services and support that our kids need to live their best lives."List of Speakers:Paul Brennan, Riverside School District SuperintendentScott Pentasuglio, Director of compliance and school safety coordinator riverside school district Mike Pennington, PCCD Executive DirectorCarol Armstrong, Riverside School Board PresidentTina Wydeen, Riverside School District Mental Health SupervisorJT Yarem, Counseling Department Chair/Crisis CounselorChristian Englehardt, Riverside School District 6th grade studentCaitlin Mattioli - Teacher at Riverside School District (West Elementary)Shannon Wells LPC, East Elementary