Governor Laura Kelly Discusses Mental Health with Wichita-Area Students and Educators
MAIZE – Governor Laura Kelly today met with Maize School District students, educators, and mental health professionals to discuss the state’s Mental Health Intervention Teams (MHIT) program, which provides students and families access to clinical therapy and to local community mental health centers (CMHC) services.
Since taking office, Governor Kelly has provided more than $33 million in funding for the program, growing the program from 9 districts to 67 and from 1,708 students to close to 5,000 served annually.
“We have expanded mental health services to ensure our children have the tools they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m thankful to Maize students and educators for meeting with me to discuss how we can build on our work to improve mental health in every part of the state.”
Maize students and faculty shared that the MHIT program has helped students receive care both online and in school, and how therapy has helped students feel more comfortable with themselves. They also discussed the importance of early child care to help our youngest Kansans gain essential socio-emotional skills.
“Mental health supports continue to emerge as a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to helping our students achieve success,” Dr. Raquel Greer, Maize USD 266 Superintendent, said. “In Maize Schools, we have seen incredible results with the Mental Health Intervention Team program. In fact, of the 137 students enrolled since the program began, every student demonstrated improved internalizing and externalizing behavior, 98 percent improved their academic performance, and 94 percent improved their school attendance. This data represents improvement in the lives of our students and their futures.”
The list of 2021-2022 programs approved throughout the entire state can be found HERE. The list for this year is not yet available.
Photos from today’s meeting for media use can be found below.
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