Schools invited to apply for Security Health Plan grant
For the Metro Wire
Security Health Plan of Wisconsin, Inc. announced this week it has opened the application period for its Behavioral Emotional Social Traits grant program.
The company is investing in school-based behavioral health grants for the 2018-19 school year in an effort to promote the behavioral health and well-being of young children in local communities, according to a news release from Security Health.
The Marshfield-based business partners with Mindfield LLC to help identify behavioral health issues among local school children.
“Early identification of behavioral health issues and accompanying intervention help students thrive both in and beyond the classroom,” said Allison Machtan, manager of community benefits
The b.e.s.t. (Behavioral Emotional Social Traits) universal screening is a tool designed to help teachers identify behavioral, emotional and social health and risk factors in school-aged children. The online screening provides a way to measure behavioral observations and assists school personnel to connect students in need with resources and support.
After students complete the online screening, teachers receive immediate recommendations. These universal interventions help students who are considered at-risk or in need of additional assistance as well as all other children in the classroom.
The screening has been used in school districts throughout Wisconsin and states across the country, with 69,000 students screened to date. Recipients of the grant will be provided with technical support, bi-annual screenings for students, training as well as consultation and support.
Any school district within Security Health Plan’s service area is welcome to apply. However, the grant will only be awarded to 50 school districts. Applications are due by Friday, Sept. 14, at 5 p.m.
Interested applicants may complete the online application at www.securityhealth.org/about-us/community-giving/best-universal-screening.
Questions regarding the b.e.s.t. grant may be directed to Allison Machtan at [email protected] or 715-221-9872.
