02/17/2026
๐ Celebrating Our Ongoing Partnership! ๐
We are excited to highlight our longstanding partnership with River View Elementary School, where we continue to make strides in enhancing wellness initiatives through our Ohio Wellness Coordinator! ๐
Our collaboration focuses on fostering a supportive and healthy environment for all students, promoting their physical, emotional, and social well-being.
We also want to give a special shoutout to Rachel Addy, who was recently featured in the BH Bulletin for Ohio! Her dedication and leadership are instrumental in driving our wellness programs forward at River View Elementary.
Together, we are building a healthier future for our children! ๐
CCoshocton Behavioral Health Choices
(See featured article below)
Ohio Schools See Measurable Gains as Staff and Students Build Critical Behavioral Health Skills
Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinators (BHWCs) from across Ohio gathered in central Ohio in late January for a statewide convening focused on strengthening Student Assistance Programs (SAPs). The event was led by Miami Universityโs School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention and Early Intervention and the Discovery Center for Evaluation, Research, and Professional Learning. Participants highlighted the growing impact of Ohioโs SAMHSA-funded Project AWARE initiative. Representatives from DBH and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce also engaged attendees in discussions about continuous improvement and long-term sustainability of Project AWARE efforts.
BHWCs play a critical role in coordinating training for school personnel and community members, equipping them with practical skills to recognize early warning signs, initiate supportive conversations, and connect at-risk students with appropriate behavioral health resources. They also lead prevention and behavioral health trainings for students aimed at reducing stigma, strengthening connections, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. During the first three years of Project AWARE, training participation reached more than 3,800 staff and community members and nearly 32,000 students, including individuals who attended more than one session.
These efforts are translating into meaningful outcomes. Since BHWCs were placed in schools, 5,134 students have been screened, 1,261 have been referred for services, and 744 have successfully connected to care โ a 59% connection rate. School-level data also show promising trends: chronic absenteeism has decreased by 18%, and out-of-school suspensions have declined by 26% compared to rates prior to BHWC placement.
Together, these results underscore the value of Student Assistance Programs and Behavioral Health and Wellness Coordinators in creating safer and more connected school communities. Learn more about the Ohio Model Student Assistance Program on the School-Based Center of Excellence website.