Jan Zadoorian and Ryan Kelly join Dr. Elizabeth Meeker to discuss Project AWARE, a five-year SAMHSA grant to integrate school mental health programs. This episode touches on:
- The importance of trauma-informed practices serving as a foundation in schools, particularly post-COVID
- Initiatives like hiring restorative practice specialists, providing professional development, and partnering with community agencies
- The role of mindfulness, goal-setting, and leveraging existing resources
- The need for a proactive approach that involves both students and staff collaboratively
- The importance of a holistic, community-supported model for long-term, sustainable impact