Submitted
Hays, KS – Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More Prep – Marian, together as Hays Catholic Schools, along with St. Mary’s Elementary School in Ellis and Sacred Heart Grade School in Plainville, are thrilled to announce a new partnership with High Plains Mental Health Center to expand access to mental health services for students and families. This initiative is designed to meet the growing need for mental health support in schools, ensuring students can thrive academically and personally.
This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive, school-based mental health services, reducing barriers such as transportation and scheduling challenges. Students will now have access to therapeutic resources directly on campus, in a setting that fosters trust and familiarity.
The initiative is funded through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) Mental Health Intervention Team (MHIT) grant. Initially available only to public schools, this funding has recently been extended to accredited private schools, allowing the Catholic Schools of the Salina Diocese to apply.
Key collaborators
High Plains Mental Health Center: As a trusted provider of mental health services in northwest Kansas, High Plains Mental Health Center brings decades of experience and expertise in supporting individuals and families. Their dedicated school-based therapists will work closely with students, staff, and families to provide individualized care tailored to specific needs.
“Mental health is a cornerstone of student success,” said Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools for the Catholic Diocese of Salina. “By partnering with the mental health professionals in our community, we’re taking an important step toward ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally. I am so excited that Kansas included accredited private schools so that our students can receive the support they need”
Goals of the partnership
• Deliver on-site therapeutic services tailored to the unique needs of students.
• Provide tools and training to families and staff to foster emotional resilience.
• Build a supportive school culture that emphasizes mental health awareness and open communication.
• Promote a culture of mental health awareness and open dialogue within the school community.
For more information about this partnership, contact Geoff Andrews, [email protected].