Salem Schools To Launch Youth Mental Health Task Force

SALEM, MA — Salem Public Schools is forming a Mental Health Task Force to help enhance student services in the wake of the COVID-19 health emergency.

While many considered mental health a growing national crisis prior to the coronavirus outbreak, the two years of isolation, restrictions and other factors have led to an overwhelming need for teen intervention and support.

"Since the pandemic, many more of our young people and their families are struggling with depression and anxiety," Superintendent Steve Zrike said in a letter to the school community. "Given this increase, we want to be sure that our resources are leveraged to ensure that our community receives access to the highest quality services in a timely manner."

Zrike said the task force will look to find ways to provide students services both in and out of school.

Those interested in helping are asked to contact Zrike at superintendent@salemk12.org by the end of July.

"Thank you in advance for your commitment to this important effort," Zrike said.

Zrike said the early part of the summer will be spent across the district planning for a strong start to the school year after the past two years of disruptions and virus protocols. This summer's plans include facility upgrades, participating in professional learning, examining school safety systems and filling staff openings.

While July is downtime for some, a big part of the Salem school community remains at work with nearly 1,000 students involved in some type of summer school program across the city.

"This represents almost 30 percent of our student population engaging in meaningful programming that offers academic enrichment to our students," Zrike said. "We are excited about being able to offer a year-round experience to so many of our SPS learners."

Salem Public Schools will also be once again providing free meals throughout the summer at select locations each week through the Salem Summer Eats program. Most spots opened this week through Aug. 12 or Aug. 19 depending on the location.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)