The Ottumwa Legacy Foundation has approved a grant to Ottumwa Schools for a Brain Health Retreat Room at Evans Junior High School, marking the first middle school location supported by Brain Health Now. The three-year Legacy grant will fund a Brain Health Liaison position, providing a full-time licensed mental health professional dedicated to supporting students.
With the CDC reporting that 1 in 6 K-12 students have enough behavioral or emotional symptoms to be diagnosed with a brain health issue, this expansion addresses growing mental health needs at an earlier age. The retreat room will provide opportunities for Evans Junior High School students to self-regulate during the school day, resulting in fewer student absences and improved academic outcomes. The program builds on the success of the existing Brain Health Retreat Room at Ottumwa High School.
“We are excited to build on the success attained with the Brain Health Retreat Room at the Ottumwa High School and make this important resource – which includes a full-time licensed mental health professional – available to our younger students at Evans Junior High School,” said Kelly Genners, President/CEO Ottumwa Legacy Foundation.
While some students may utilize the Brain Health Retreat Room during times of needed self-regulation or for an isolated issue, others may require access to additional mental health supports that can be connected through the Brain Health Liaison.