(Wetumpka, AL) – Elmore County Public Schools is taking another step in the direction of providing additional mental health resources and support for its nearly 12,000 students. The school system is excited to announce the creation of the Mental Health Services Coordinator position. Jessica Shields, who is a long-time employee of Elmore County Public Schools as well as a private practitioner, will serve in this new role.
The state awarded Elmore County Public Schools funding through the Operation Student Success grant, allowing the district to hire a Mental Health Services Coordinator.
Elmore County Public Schools is thrilled to be part of Operation Student Success. This is a mental health initiative coordinated through the Office of Prevention and Support from the Alabama State Department of Education.
Rashawn Blassingame, school-based Mental Health and 504 Coordinator, says, “This was a necessary position due to the increased need for mental health support and guidance among our students, families, and staff. I am thrilled that we were able to move Mrs. Shields into this role to support the mental wellness of our entire district.”
Since Mrs. Shields has assumed this new role in Elmore County Public Schools, she and Mrs. Blassingame have begun training teens in mental health awareness, assessed the needs of staff, parents, and students, and begun implementing mental wellness practices for various stakeholders. “I am humbled and elated to have a role in helping to increase overall mental wellness in our district. Mental wellness infiltrates everything and is for everyone. Connecting students, parents, staff members, and families to the right community resources is paramount. Providing resources and knowledge that I have acquired during my own experiences and career are what I love to do.”
Blassingame and Shields have tagged the mental health initiative as Elmore County CARES: Connecting And Responding with Encouragement & Support.
You may find the initiative on Facebook by searching for Elmore County CARES, and sign up for the Remind group by texting @ecares2020 to 81010.
