Noelle Bissell & Holly Lesko were invited panelists at the VASS Conference in Roanoke on April 25, 2023. The panel's focus was "Addressing the Mental Health Challenges in Our Schools" and was designed as an engaging, conversational element superintendents from across the commonwealth. Rob Graham, Superintendent with Radford City Schools moderated the panel. Questions and conversation ranged from student and staff mental health supports in schools to family engagement and resource needs. Additionally, the impact of the pandemic and substance misuse was addressed in conjunction with federal, state and local funding opportunities that are coming on line to address such concerns. It is critical that mental health challenges in our schools are addressed beyond the classroom and integrated into any recovery and prevention planning and funding that becomes available.
For more information, contact Holly Lesko ,hlesko@nrvrc.org.