Reading Public Schools Project Aware - The Reading Public Schools located in Reading, MA will implement their Now is the Time Project AWARE LEA Grant through a variety of capacity-building activities. The Reading Public Schools serves 4,432 school-aged students in 9 schools including 1 preschool, 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 high school. This grant will allow the Reading Public Schools to train 8 instructors that will certify 584 school educators, school support staff, first responders, youth workers, and faith leaders in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Data gathered through the 2013 Reading Youth Risk Behavior Survey (grades 6-8) indicated high rates of prevalence involving self-injury, bullying, binge drinking and prescription drug misuse. High school (grades 9-12) rates for underage drinking, illegal drug use and eating disorders were 2-6% higher than state and national averages. Behavioral health community forums conducted in 2012 involved residents who expressed concern about teens dealing with "stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, drug-related violence, untreated mental illness". In the past two years, the district has experienced a sharp increase in students hospitalized for mood disorders, personality disorders, self-injury, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and substance abuse. At the high school, since September of 2012, there have been 40 psychiatric hospitalizations recorded by administrators. The proposed YMHFA and MHFA training will greatly improve early identification of mental health needs and increase referrals to local community agencies. A part-time paid grant coordinator will organize training, monitor certification, enhance pathways to mental health referral, and support recommended mental health assessment and/or treatment.
