YAKIMA, Wash. – Educational Service District 105 in Yakima recently obtained nearly $3 million from the Ballmer Group. The funds aim to enhance mental health services in South Central Washington schools.
The primary objective of ESD 105 is to introduce more mental health resources in schools, focusing on early detection of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among students.
Brandon Riddle, assistant director of student support, shared insights on the mental health screening tools to be implemented in schools. “
Do they show up to class, really prepared to learn? Do they show up with supplies? Do they show up, engaged and ready to learn?” Riddle said. He explained these tools are designed to identify and address issues early, providing necessary support to students in the classroom.
Riddle emphasized that the research will help develop systems to aid students’ success.
“Developing those systems that detect those and then provide interventions, whether it’s mental health counseling, whether it’s social, emotional, behavioral supports in the schools,” he stated.
Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, can significantly influence behavioral issues, according to Riddle.
“We know kids who have four or more ACEs in their life are 32 times more likely to have behavior problems in schools,” he said, noting signs such as withdrawal or escalating behaviors.
Riddle highlighted the importance of mental health in academic success.
“We know that the barrier to good academics and academic achievement is mental health, and we’re seeing that prevalent in our valley right now,” he said.
The district plans to collaborate with other ESDs in the region through Chad’s Legacy Project to expand these resources to more schools.
