Mental Health Services Upgraded With Grant For Wayne Valley High School

WAYNE, NJ — The National Council for Mental Wellbeing selected Wayne Valley High School from a competitive field of applicants for a grant that will assist mental health services. The grant enables up to 10 percent of staff to get trained and implement a teen Mental Health First Aid program for students.

The evidence-based training program is geared toward students ages 15-18, teaching them how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use among their friends. The training is designed to empower students to have supportive conservations with their friends, while also getting help from trusted adults when appropriate.

Wayne Valley High School is one of 50 high schools in New Jersey that will receive this grant.

Overseeing the grant and training program will be Assistant Principal Scott Wisniewski and school counselors Michael Paul, Jennifer Montana, Andrew Imperatore, along with the guidance of a William Paterson University representative.

The school will implement training within junior health classes during Marking Period 3, with the goal of providing students with the proper techniques and strategies to support themselves and others.

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