by SBG San Antonio Staff Reports“It’s a multifaceted approach,” said Lenz, chair of the University’s Department of Counseling, Health and Kinesiology. “The project is grounded in the idea that you don't have to be a mental health professional to make a mental health difference in the lives of others.”
The South Bexar County Mental Health Awareness Project takes a multi-pronged approach. It focuses on training educators at all levels to recognize signs of mental health struggles in students. This empowers them to connect students with culturally appropriate mental health services and provide initial support.
Backed by a substantial grant, the project aims to train 12 instructors in Youth Mental Health First Aid and similar programs, equip 945 individuals with these skills over three years, and ultimately increase referrals of K-16 students to culturally appropriate mental health resources by 10% annually.