Mental Health App Introduced To Support Central Regional Students

BERKELEY, NJ — The Central Regional School District is implementing another new feature in order to address mental health struggles students may be facing.

In a news release, the district announced that self-help resources, immediate crisis support and an anonymous communication channel with the district will become available to students upon the launch of the HELPme App by STOPit Solutions for cell phones, one to one devices and Chromebooks.

As part of the district's prioritization of student mental health, the district has partnered with STOPit Solutions, so students have options to seek assistance when needed, said Superintendent Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder, who began her new role at Central Regional in January.

CarneyRay-Yoder, in her short time in the district so far, has also implemented a separate mental health partnership with InSite Health and the installation of safety kits in classrooms.

Kevin Askew, an area resident, former district parent and chief revenue officer for STOPit Solutions, said he presented the idea to the Central Regional Board of Education for offering HELPme to the school community. “We presented this to the board, and we look forward to our solution being an integral part of the safety and wellness initiatives in the district going forward,” Askew said. “We are deeply thankful to the Board, Police Chief Kevin Santucci, and Superintendent CRY for their support in advancing this initiative.”

STOPit's Safety & Wellness programs are currently offered in 150 school districts in New Jersey and 1,700 nationally, Askew noted. The plan is for Central Regional to offer the app to students beginning May 22, in conjunction with the fundraiser kickoff for Survival+ for Schools wound kits for the district. The day is also the launch of Central Regional's partnership with InSite Health, which will offer counseling and resources to students.

“I am excited to partner with STOPit to support our students that may not feel comfortable coming forward to an adult in the building,” CarneyRay-Yoder said. “We want those students to know that there is a safe place to get the help they need, so that they feel loved and seen. We are here for them, and we support them and sometimes kids just need an avenue. I want to provide that avenue.”

"HELPme is here to give students a safe space to voice concerns about themselves or someone else, or to seek help when they're facing difficulties," Askew explained. "It's designed to be user-friendly and accessible from anywhere—students can download it to their smartphones, Chromebooks, or simply use a web link. HELPme is specifically designed to safeguard the privacy and dignity of anyone reaching out for help. The program allows students and staff to communicate their concerns or seek assistance anonymously, without the need to provide a phone number or email, ensuring that their identities are protected."

"Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Your mental health matters, and reaching out is a brave and important step," he added.

The App is set up so students can easily access self-help resources that are available locally and nationally as well as links that the district wants to use like for a school counselor, social worker, school security guard or principal. Students can also access a crisis text line to seek help. All incoming requests for help are routed internally to the appropriate person to manage it. School administrators will also receive a notification when a new report is received.

"Reports submitted through the HELPme system are received instantly," Askew explained. "In cases of anything life-threatening or an imminent threat, our team will immediately follow the emergency protocols that have been established in coordination with the district. We ensure that the appropriate steps are taken swiftly to contact the right people who can provide student support and manage the situation effectively."

“This is a fundamental health resource so that kids know that there are options if they need help,” CarneyRay-Yoder said.

The school district received the App through a donation from STOPit.

For more information on STOPit Solutions, please visit their website: https://www.stopitsolutions.com/.

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