District launches three-year mental health partnership

Upper Arlington Schools is embarking on a three-year partnership focused on student mental health and suicide prevention, with the goal of strengthening the systems and supports that help students thrive.

The district will work with The JED Foundation through a new mental health initiative for school districts developed in conjunction with AASA, The School Superintendents Association. The program brings together school district leaders and mental health experts to help school districts align a comprehensive approach to student mental health, reduce the risk of suicide and support stronger academic outcomes.

Over the next three years, the district will review its existing practices, policies, programs and resources related to student mental health and suicide prevention. The process will help identify strengths, opportunities for improvement and ways to better connect students and families with supports both within the schools and throughout the community.

“This collaborative effort affirms our commitment as a district to supporting our students in all aspects of their school experience,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D. “This work will give us an opportunity to take a thoughtful look at the systems we have in place, learn from experts and other school districts, and identify ways we can continue to strengthen the support we provide to our students.”