$40K Given To Vestavia Schools For Bullying, Mental Health Issues

VESTAVIA HILLS, AL — Vestavia Hills City Schools just received $40,000 from Sen. Jabo Waggoner. A report by the Vestavia Voice said the funds will go toward programs dealing with bullying and mental health issues.

The funds came from Waggoner's discretionary fund and will be used for a variety of initiatives:

• A Safe Schools Alert system that allows students and parents to anonymously report bullying, harassment, threats of violence or other safety concerns
• Additional “mental health first aid” training for school system employees
• A partnership with Bradford Health Services that will allow students who test positive for drug use to receive free support

Mental health has been a growing priority for the school system in recent years, as the school district is partnering with several groups to address social and emotional needs, including the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation, Vestavia Hills Chamber of Commerce, Help the Hills Coalition and The Hope Institute at Samford University.

Read the full story in the Vestavia Voice.