(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Community School Corporation is one of just three applicants statewide to receive grant addressing substance abuse and mental health.

 

According to school officials, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Project AWARE Grant will impact over 6,100 students in the La Porte community.

 

SAMHSA will focus on needs related to overall wellness, provide students and families access to mental health services and reduce the stigma around mental health awareness.

 

Specifically, the funding, over a four year period, will support early identification and provide training along with resources for staff to meet current challenges facing students. The La Porte School Corporation’s Project AWARE team will partner with the Indiana Department of Education and local mental health providers to support building positive habits, coping techniques and fostering a safe and healthy environment for all students and staff.

 

Already, student sponsored clubs at La Porte High School and La Porte Middle School have accepted the challenge to create a culture supporting mental health. 

 

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, both clubs joined forces and organized a student walk at the Kesling track. Over 70 La Porte students in grades 7-12 gathered to participate in the event to celebrate a commitment to mental health awareness and support. 

 

“Mental health is a part of our society which is easily ignored because of its stigma. This initiative provides our students the opportunity to have discussions about mental wellness and what we can do to support the well-being of ourselves and others,” said LPCSC Mental Health Counselor and Bring Change to Mind Club Advisor, Christine Rosenbaum.