HCDE’s Center for Safe and Secure School partners with Mental Health America of Greater Houston (MHAGH) to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid training.
MHAGH “works with 28 school districts, representing nearly 100 schools throughout the greater Houston region to 1) identify and implement best practices to empower school personnel with the knowledge they need to prevent mental illness among students and to ensure early identification and intervention for those exhibiting signs and symptoms of behavioral health concerns; 2) helps schools to create trauma-informed environments to address adverse childhood experiences that are linked to health outcomes in both childhood and adulthood” (MHAGH 2021). MHAGH reports that in Texas, there is one school counselor for every 450 students; nearly 2x the number recommended by the National Association of School Counselors. In Houston ISD, there is only one counselor for every 1,604 students. Given this context MHAGH believes that a school-based system of care is essential.
