SHEBOYGAN — A $700,000 federal grant awarded to Lakeshore Community Health Care will boost mental health services at Sheboygan and Manitowoc area schools.
The health care nonprofit was one of 77 providers part of the $25.2 million Health Resources and Services Administration award, according to a news release. LCHC was the only recipient in Wisconsin.
Community reacts to free lunch decision:Free lunch issue draws packed house at Manitowoc school board meeting as some call for superintendent’s resignation
Grant funding will be spread over two years to expand mental health services in Sheboygan Area School District and Manitowoc Public School District, according to a news release. Services will also be added at the three Howards Grove School District schools.
There is an increased need for mental health services among students in the two counties, LCHC CEO Kristin Stearns said in a news release.
In Sheboygan, the grant will expand services across some SASD schools and start offering services at Lake Country Academy. LCHC has provided mental health services at SASD schools since 2018 through United Way’s Providing Access to Healing (PATH) program.
Additionally, two school-based LCHC therapists will also complete training for substance use counseling to assist SASD middle and high school students. The training can take up to two years, according to LCHC.
Advocating for the Hispanic community:‘Tireless advocate’: How Marisol Muhs continues to support Sheboygan’s Spanish-speaking families at Sheridan Elementary
The grant will broaden support to several Manitowoc schools, too: Franklin, Jackson and Madison Elementary schools, Washington Middle School and McKinley Academy. LCHC started offering services in MPSD at Jefferson Elementary, Wilson Middle and Lincoln High schools earlier this year.
Students can be referred for any mental health concerns, according to the nonprofit, like anxiety, family separation and bullying. LCHC accepts any health insurance and offers sliding-scale rates based on household income.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or [email protected]. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @alexx_garner.