SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A mental health pilot program established late last year is making a difference for students in Sioux Falls by expanding support across the school district.
The Rooted in Schools pilot program is a collaboration between the Sioux Falls School District, Avera Behavioral Health, and Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. The program provides on-site therapists at five public schools – Washington High School, Cleveland, Whittier Middle School, and Terry Redlin and Rosa Parks Elementary. Therapists are employed by Avera, and each works with over 25 students weekly.
“I can speak to all of the families that we work with at Terry Redland here; they have been really supportive,” said Heidi Thomas, Rooted in Schools manager. “This is that collaborative piece, so we’re really leaning into what the school already knows about these kids.”
The idea was initially proposed by the Seed for Success Foundation, and by partnering with the Community Foundation, they were able to identify gaps in services and where to invest donors’ money for the biggest impact.
“Some of those barriers not only include transportation, but also families who aren’t eligible for insurance or who are unable to pay co-pays or deductibles toward their insurance plans,” said Thomas. “We’re really grateful for that partnership and additional donor funds to cover the expenses for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access to mental health therapy.”
School officials have already seen some success with a 14% attendance increase in students receiving therapy and a 51% decrease in reported life threats at the participating schools.
“It kind of just puts us all under the same team, working towards the same goal, and maybe really understanding any emotional piece that’s causing that student to have outbursts,” said Kersten Dobberpuhl, Terry Redlin principal. “I do think relationships are tough for our kids, but with the right person, the right school, the right people, students will open up and tell us how they’re feeling.”
Mental health issues are not always something that can be solved overnight or in a few months, as it can take a while to nurture relationships with students. However, the early results of this pilot program will really help shape how schools support student mental health long term.
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