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Avenues Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol rehab in Colorado with fifteen locations across seven states. Our state blog offers the latest on all addiction-related news in Colorado, keeping you updated on the rise and fall of current events in your area.
In a significant move to address the growing mental health challenges faced by students, the Colorado Department of Education has been awarded a $1.6 million annual grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This funding, announced on Thursday by Colorado Commissioner of Education Susana Córdova, is set to play a crucial role in expanding mental health services within the state’s schools.
As mental health issues continue to rise among young people, the grant aims to combat the critical shortage of mental health professionals in Colorado schools, ensuring that students receive the support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. “This grant is an important resource for our state’s school districts to help them expand access to the services our students need to thrive,” Córdova stated in her announcement.
According to the Denver 7 news site, the funding will be used to hire more counselors and mental health professionals across Colorado, with a focus not only on recruitment but also on retention of current staff. In addition, the grant will support initiatives to encourage professionals from other fields to transition into school mental health roles. To further strengthen the workforce, part of the funding will also be dedicated to training graduate-level mental health professionals, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified individuals to meet the growing demand for mental health support in schools.
The five-year grant, which will continue through 2029, offers Colorado a unique opportunity to build a more robust mental health infrastructure within its schools, aiming to reduce the barriers students face when seeking help. With youth mental health issues on the rise, particularly following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this grant represents a proactive effort to ensure that students have access to the resources necessary for their well-being.
This funding comes at a critical time, as many schools across the country and in Colorado struggle to keep up with the increasing demand for mental health services. By addressing the shortage of mental health professionals and investing in training and recruitment, the state is taking a meaningful step toward creating a supportive environment where students can flourish both inside and outside the classroom.
If you or your loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health reach out to Avenues Recovery to receive the help you deserve. Our staff are specialists in addiction and will help you recover with dignity and respect. Contact us today to begin your journey towards the happier, healthier, and drug-free future you deserve.