By Patrick Lynn
CENTRAL WISCONSIN — Marshfield Clinic is accepting grant applications from school districts for two youth mental health programs aimed at supporting students across its service area.
The programs — b.e.s.t. Universal Screening and Life Tools — are designed to work together, helping schools identify students who may need behavioral health support and providing targeted interventions for those who would benefit from additional services.
The b.e.s.t. Universal Screening program is an online tool that allows educators to assess students’ emotional well-being and flag potential concerns early. Developed by school psychologist Eric P. Hartwig, the platform also offers strategies educators can use to support students in the classroom.
Life Tools is an early-intervention program that provides structured group sessions focused on building coping and social-emotional skills. The sessions include participation from caregivers and coordination with school staff.
The programs serve complementary roles, with screening helping schools identify needs early and Life Tools offering skill-building support for students requiring additional help.
This marks the 12th year Marshfield Clinic has offered the b.e.s.t. program and the seventh year for Life Tools.
“For more than a decade, Marshfield Clinic has been a trusted partner with school districts in delivering early, preventive behavioral health support through strong school and community partnerships across the region,” said Jay Schrader, senior director of community relations. “The increased attention on student mental health in recent years amplifies the need for programs like b.e.s.t. and Life Tools to support students’ well-being.”
Eligible school districts include those in Dickinson County, Michigan, and dozens of counties across Wisconsin, including Portage, Marathon, Wood, Waupaca and Waushara counties, among others.
For the 2025-26 school year, 37 schools received access to the b.e.s.t. platform and 30 schools participated in Life Tools. The programs include training, technical support, consultation and ongoing assistance.
Since 2013, Marshfield Clinic reports the b.e.s.t. program has been implemented in 89 school districts, with more than 600,000 screenings completed and 12,000 educators and staff involved. During the 2024-25 school year, Life Tools served 285 students through 59 group sessions.
School districts can apply for the programs through a single application at https://redcap.link/bestandLifeTools.