ESHS joins regional mental health initiative

Eureka Springs High School has been selected as one of three schools in Carroll and Madison counties to take part in a special mental health initiative program. 

Through a partnership with UAMS Institute for Community Health Innovation, ESHS will be part of a “broader effort to address rising concerns around student mental health, substance abuse, and overall well-being,” according to an email from district counselor Gena Wenger that was provided by superintendent Bryan Pruitt.

“Rural students are often at higher risk for behavioral health challenges, making early support, education, and intervention especially important,” Wenger said.

Other schools participating in the partnership are Huntsville and Kingston.

“UAMS called us one day and told us they had some grant money and it was for Carroll and Madison counties,” Pruitt said. “It was kind of a mental health initiative, and then how they can come in and work with our students about the mental aspect of things, getting into the health field …

“I told them we were definitely interested.”

Pruitt said representatives from UAMS come to ESHS once a month and meet with students.

“And they have some other activities they’re going to be doing this summer, like summer camps, field trips, that sort of thing,” the superintendent said.

Awareness of mental health issues is the key to the programs, Pruitt added.

“Not necessarily that we’re in a crisis, because we do have counselors and things here on staff and we deal with all those things,” he said. “This is more, mental health awareness, and this is a program to help others with this.”

According to information provided by Wenger, program goals for ESHS students involved in the program include:

• Career Pathways — Introduce students to behavioral health careers and help them access training opportunities

• Student Leadership and Peer Support — Empower students to create and lead peer-driven mental health initiatives

• Sustainability — Build long-term support systems through partnerships and community involvement

Topics students will experience in the program are mental health awareness and stress management, substance abuse prevention, nutrition and healthy lifestyles, healthy relationships and communication, infectious disease prevention and dangers of distracted and impaired driving.

Students in grades 10-12 who participate will have other opportunities through summer training, including a two-week community health worker training (June 15-26). Those involved will get a $500 stipend and travel reimbursement, a certification pathway after training and fieldwork for those 18 and over.

A youth advisory board, in partnership with Arkansas Behavioral Health Integration Network, will allow the students to assess student mental health needs, help choose evidence-based trauma-informed programs, and lead and implement peer-driven mental health initiatives, according to Wenger.

Mental health first aid training is also included for teachers and students, “helping students support themselves and each other effectively.”

“This no-cost initiative brings education, leadership opportunities, career pathways, and real support systems to Eureka Springs High School — helping students build healthier futures while also preparing them for careers in behavioral health,” Wenger said.