News Brief

07/29/13

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Holds Virtual Event on Safe Schools

By Carissa Miller

On behalf of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Center for Mental Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention will host a virtual National Forum on Fostering Safe and Healthy Schools through State Partnerships on Wednesday, August 14, 2013 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm EDT.  Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Chris Koch will be representing CCSSO on the webinar.  The goals and objectives for this virtual meeting can be found at: http://www.promoteprevent.org/sites/default/files/forum_goals_and_objectives_7.17.13.pdf 

The shootings at Sandy Hook, CT and other such tragedies highlight the issues of school safety and supportive school environments. America's schools must be safe and secure settings where children and youth can focus on learning and develop to their full potential.  Issues that affect the learning environment of schools - such as the need for mental health services, bullying, truancy, and fighting - cannot be solved by schools alone.  The proven path to better and safer schools requires collaboration across agencies that results in education and mental health policies, programs and services that foster academic success, promote mental health, and prevent mental and substance use disorders as well as youth violence.

State education and mental health leaders play a vital role in this process. This webinar will be an opportunity for state leaders to discuss and learn together how to plan, implement, and evaluate policies and programs that foster safe and healthy schools.  Additional virtual meetings will be scheduled after the webinar to foster the continued development of state agency partnerships.

Register for the event here:  http://edc.adobeconnect.com/samhsaforum/event/registration.html

Contact Amanda Lee at 617-618-2553 with any questions or concerns.