{"id":31124,"date":"2022-02-02T13:58:51","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T18:58:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/?p=31124"},"modified":"2022-02-02T13:58:54","modified_gmt":"2022-02-02T18:58:54","slug":"commissioners-legislators-meet-with-school-officials-to-address-student-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/?p=31124","title":{"rendered":"Commissioners, legislators meet with school officials to address student mental health"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dr. George F. Fiore, Executive Director of the CCIU, speaks to legislators and superintendents.<\/p><\/div>\n

Chester County\u2019s school superintendents shared their concerns regarding\u00a0the increased demand for mental health services for students with state and county elected officials at a special information\u00a0session held at the Chester County Intermediate Unit on February 2, 2022.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Organized by Pennsylvania State Representative Christina Sappey\u00a0and CCIU Executive Director Dr. George Fiore, the meeting was the culmination of work done by a smaller group formed early last summer to address youth mental health and suicide prevention needs in Chester County. This smaller work group consisted of county officials, school superintendents and staff and CCIU. They inventoried\u00a0current programming and resources and identified\u00a0gaps in service.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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The goal of this larger meeting was to bring both county and state officials together to hear directly from the superintendents. The presentation made by superintendents provided\u00a0an overview of the current situation and a plan to significantly improve services and meet students\u2019\u00a0needs. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWe all share the public\u2019s urgent concern for the mental health and safety of our kids, and for how this is landing on our\u00a0schools,\u201d said Representative Sappey.\u00a0\u201cAccurately addressing the behavioral health needs of our students is critical to saving lives. Today we have been given a road map and I am hopeful that with bi-partisan support we can overcome these challenges.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Providing opening remarks, Dr. George F. Fiore, executive director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit, agreed with Sappey, and stressed that the schools are not looking for funding, but rather long-term\u00a0solutions and partnerships with community and mental health professionals, and state and county officials.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWhat you will hear today is an overview of the problem that we are facing in our schools,\u201d said Fiore, \u201cThe stress it is placing on our students and our school staff, how we are providing services to students now, and an outline of the continuum of care our students need and deserve.\u201d <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Fiore then introduced superintendents from Unionville Chadds Ford, West Chester Area, Avon Grove, Downingtown Area and Phoenixville Area Districts. Each of the speakers outlined the significant issues their schools are facing in providing\u00a0mental health services to students and proposed solutions, including addressing the mental health care professional shortage, embedding crisis counselors in schools, opening crisis care centers, and strengthening community partnerships.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cThese are issues that have been years in the making,\u201d said Fiore, and \u201cIt is going to take<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>resources and commitment, but we owe it to our students to work together and do what needs to be done for this generation of students and for the next.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. John Sanville, superintendent of the Unionville Chadds Ford School District, spoke first regarding\u00a0the critical shortage of mental health professionals. Dr. Sanville referenced a report co-sponsored by Representative Kristine Howard in 2020 that studied the mental health professional shortage.\u00a0 The report, <\/span>Pennsylvania Mental Health Care Workforce Shortage: Challenges and Solutions,<\/span>\u00a0commissioned by the general assembly in 2020, provided\u00a0recommendations to ease the situation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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According to Sanville, Pennsylvania has 422 child psychiatrists for its 2.7 million children\u00a0and youth. Among the recommendations, Dr. Sanville asked to implement the findings of the 2020 report, in addition to considering loan forgiveness programs, and scholarships to college students enrolled in mental health professional programs. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cI am proud to have been a cosponsor of HR193, which resulted in the Joint State Government Commission conducting a study finding many areas in which the access to mental health care could be improved in our Commonwealth,\u201d said Representative Kristine Howard. \u201cIn the time since, I have sought to remedy some of those care shortfalls with two new bills that would create programs to ensure adequate staffing for behavioral health facilities and expand the pool of Clinical Social Workers that can provide\u00a0therapeutic services on an outpatient basis, HB2091 and HB1926. I intend to continue to work to ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to the care they need.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Sanville was followed by Dr. M. Christopher Marchese from Avon Grove School District, and Dr. Robert Sokolowski from the West Chester Area School District, who provided the legislators with data showing the increased number of suicide risk and violent risk assessments among youth.\u00a0 The superintendents also provided\u00a0information on the increasing number of referrals to schools from the Safe2Say tip line, which requires each school to respond to student safety tips no matter what time of day or night they are received.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWe (school staff) are often getting these tips at 4:00\u00a0a.m. in the morning,\u201d said Sokolowski, \u201cand then we are reaching out to agencies to find help.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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As a result, Dr. Marchese from Avon Grove School District\u00a0proposed a system in which crisis counselors employed by the county were assigned to school districts toassist\u00a0when students were experiencing a mental health crisis.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s vital that we continue to prioritize mental health as both a matter of public health and a holistic approach to the education, development, and overall well-being of children, teens, and young people,\u201d said Senator Carolyn Comitta. \u201cWhile the pandemic has highlighted the impacts of mental health among our students, we must also consider the role of related factors, like exposure to social media, bullying, isolation, and substance abuse. I thank Rep. Sappey\u00a0and the CCIU\u00a0for helping advance this important discussion and continue to work to support investments in mental health services and legislation, like my Senate Bill 791, to increase access to counselors, psychologists, social workers, and nurses in our schools.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Emilie Lonardi\u00a0shared that with only one inpatient hospital to serve the entire county, they are sending students out of county\u00a0regularly.\u00a0 Students are waiting in emergency rooms for days waiting for beds in an inpatient mental health care center, and then going out of county.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Lonardi\u00a0proposed\u00a0the now closed Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals\u00a0be turned into crisis care centers that offer a full level of continuum care.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In closing, Representative Danielle Friel Otten,\u00a0summarized the need for these ongoing discussions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s important for us to be honest about what is happening with our kids, and what pressures and expectations we as a society are placing on them,\u201d\u00a0Otten\u00a0said. \u201cEven before the pandemic, our kids were being crushed under the pressures of social media, testing and academic performance, and being overscheduled to the extent that they have no time in their day to just be kids. For those of us who still remember a world without Facebook, Instagram, or smart phones, these are challenges that did not exist in our youth. Our schools, which are as central to our children\u2019s lives as the family unit, need our help to create systems that are supportive of our youngest citizens so that our children can thrive. Speaking as both a legislator and a mom to two elementary-age children, there is nothing more important right now.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The legislative briefing was attended by\u00a0nearly all\u00a0of\u00a0the county\u2019s legislative delegation, all three county commissioners, and all 12 Chester County superintendents,including:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Chester County Legislative Delegation<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Christina Sappey, 158<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Senator John Kane, 9<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Senatorial District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Senator Tim Kearney, 26<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Senatorial District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Senator Katie Muth, 44<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Senatorial District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, 155<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Tim Hennessey, 26<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Diane Herrin, 156<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Kristine Howard, 167<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. John Lawrence, 13<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Melissa Shusterman, 157<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Craig Williams, 160<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rep. Dan Williams, 74<\/span>th<\/span><\/span>\u00a0Legislative District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Chester County<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, Chair<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Commissioner Michelle Kichline<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Commissioner Josh Maxwell<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Patrick Bokovitz, Director, Chester County Department of Human Services<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Legislative Staff<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tyler Arkatin, Chief of Staff, Rep. Sappey<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Adam Cirucci, Communications Director, Senator Comitta\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Cameron Allen, Legislative Director, Senator Kearney<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Nikki Whitlock, Chief of Staff, Senator Muth<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Tyler Sciaudone, Chief of Staff, Rep. Shusterman<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Traci Plunkett, Chief of Staff, Rep. Craig Williams<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Abby Diebold, Communications Director, Senator Kane<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Chester County Superintendents<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. M. Christopher Marchese, Avon Grove School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Mr. Tomas Hanna, Coatesville Area School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Emilie Lonardi, Downingtown Area School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Daniel Goffredo, Great Valley School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Dusty Blakey, Kennett Consolidated School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Michele Orner, Octorara School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Wilbur Stout, Owen J. Roberts School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Mr. David Woods, Oxford Area School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Alan Fegley, Phoenixville Area School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Robert Sokolowski, West Chester Area School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. John Sanville, Unionville Chadds Ford School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. Richard Gusick, Tredyffrin\/Eastown School District<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Chester County Intermediate Unit<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Dr. George F. Fiore, Executive Director<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chester County\u2019s school superintendents shared their concerns regarding\u00a0the increased demand for mental health services for students with state and county elected officials at a special information\u00a0session held at the Chester County Intermediate Unit on February 2, 2022.\u00a0 \u00a0 Organized by Pennsylvania State Representative Christina Sappey\u00a0and CCIU Executive Director Dr. George Fiore, the meeting was the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31123,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[20,10,262,3912,4206,11141],"class_list":["post-31124","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-chester-county","tag-chester-county-intermediate-unit","tag-county-commissioners","tag-featured","tag-state-legislators","tag-student-mental-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=31124"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31124\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31125,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31124\/revisions\/31125"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/31123"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=31124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=31124"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coatesvilletimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=31124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}