Cecil County, MD – In a pioneering move to improve student mental health across Cecil County, Greenspace Health, the leader in Measurement-Based Care (MBC) in behavioral healthcare, and Upper Bay Counseling & Support Services, Inc., in collaboration with Cecil County Public Schools, have announced their partnership to launch BrightPath, a digital student well-being hub. This innovative platform will provide students and their families with direct access to a wide range of mental health supports and services available throughout the county, ensuring they can easily access the resources they need, especially during critical times.
BrightPath: A Digital Wellness Solution for Students and Families
BrightPath is designed to empower students and their families by offering a variety of self-guided psychoeducational resources, preventative tools, and direct mental health services. The platform aims to foster proactive mental health management by providing students and parents/guardians with the information and tools needed to improve and maintain mental well-being.
The platform’s user-friendly design and robust content offer a comprehensive array of resources, from educational materials to professional support services, making it easier for families to find mental health solutions that best fit their needs.
Successful Pilot and Future Expansion
BrightPath’s initial 45-day pilot program, funded by the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission’s (CHRC) Coordinated Community Supports Grant, served four middle/high schools and eight elementary schools in Cecil County. Participating schools included:
- Elkton Middle and Elkton High
- Bohemia Manor Middle and Bohemia Manor High
- Calvert Elementary
- Chesapeake City Elementary
- Charlestown Elementary
- Cecilton Elementary
- Cecil Manor Elementary
- Bay View Elementary
- Elk Neck Elementary
- Thomson Estates Elementary
During the pilot, 75 students and their parents/guardians participated in the program, with 28% of users accessing at least one resource on their first visit to the platform. Based on these promising results, BrightPath will now be expanded to all 29 schools across Cecil County, impacting approximately 15,047 students.
Addressing the Growing Mental Health Crisis in Schools
According to Suanne Blumberg, CEO of Upper Bay Counseling & Support Services, Inc., mental health challenges among young people in the county are becoming more prominent. Recent reports show that over 34% of high school students and 25% of middle school students in Cecil County have reported experiencing poor mental health. BrightPath is designed to bridge the gap by providing accessible, comprehensive, and effective mental health resources.
“We are thrilled to partner with Greenspace to bring BrightPath to Cecil County students and families,” said Blumberg. “This program provides students and parents/guardians with the resources and knowledge they need to maintain or improve their mental health. We encourage any student or parent/guardian looking for mental health support to explore the resources available at BrightPathCecil.com.”
A Transformative Step for Student Wellness
Jesse Hayman, Chief Growth Officer at Greenspace Health, expressed his excitement about the transformative potential of the BrightPath initiative. “BrightPath provides students and families with a digital front door to mental health resources, empowering them to better understand and manage their mental health and easily connect with the support that best fits their needs,” Hayman said. “This initiative has the potential to significantly enhance student wellness across Cecil County, and we’re honored to be a part of it.”
Kristen Lehr, Coordinator of Behavior/Mental Health Services at Cecil County Public Schools, also emphasized the importance of BrightPath in addressing the mental health challenges faced by students. “Cecil County Public Schools is always looking for innovative ways to address the significant mental health challenges our students are facing, and we are hopeful that BrightPath will be an impactful resource for students and families.”
Support from the Maryland General Assembly
The Maryland General Assembly provided funding for this initiative under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (Ch. 36 of 2021), which aims to support mental health initiatives in schools. David Rudolph, Chair of the Consortium, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to partner with Upper Bay and Greenspace to support the mental health and well-being of students in Cecil County. We look forward to working together to ensure the success of this vital initiative.”
Looking Forward: Expanding Mental Health Support
As the BrightPath program continues to expand across Cecil County, it marks a significant milestone in efforts to provide accessible, effective mental health support to students and families. By leveraging technology and community partnerships, BrightPath is helping to ensure that mental health care is available and easily accessible when it’s needed most, empowering students to take charge of their mental health and well-being.
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