–photo courtesy of BCPS Flickr-
Baltimore County Public Schools, in partnership with Ray Lewis and the Ray of Hope Foundation, Possibilities for Change, J&B Medical, and the Stephen and Renee Biscotti Foundation, today announced the launch of the Rising Together Schoolwide Mental Health Screening Program.
The program, which will be offered in 15 BCPS schools, connects students ages 8–18 with confidential mental health and wellness screenings designed to identify depression, anxiety, and other risk factors early.
Schools will receive data-driven insights that help guide interventions, referrals, and ongoing support for students and families.
“Addressing youth mental health requires strong partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations,” said Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers.
“Over the past three years, BCPS has expanded direct access to student mental health services and invested more than $15 million in resources to meet the needs of our 108,000 students. Efforts like Rising Together bring important resources and conversations to our schools and demonstrate to our students that our school system is committed to supporting them and providing the resources they need to thrive.”
The Rising Together initiative provides full program support through implementation screening; intervention and resources; professional development for school staff; family engagement and skill building; and data to support tiered interventions for students.
Rogers was joined by former Baltimore Ravens star and NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis at Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center in Rossville on Wednesday.
“Our kids deserve to know that when they’re struggling, they have a team behind them,” Lewis said.
“This is about building a movement and when schools, families, and community leaders come together, we can make sure no youngperson has to face those challenges alone.”
The following BCPS schools will participate in the pilot:
o Chesapeake High School
o Deep Creek Elementary School
o Deep Creek Middle School
o Dogwood Elementary School
o Featherbed Lane Elementary School
o Hawthorne Elementary School
o Hebbville Elementary School
o Johnnycake Elementary School
o Mars Estates Elementary School
o Sandy Plains Elementary School
o Southwest Academy
o Stemmers Run Middle School
o Sussex Elementary School
o Woodlawn High School
o Woodlawn Middle School
Parents/caregivers of students at the pilot schools will receive more details and information about the screening tool, timeline for screening, and consent process. They will also have the chance to review the selected screening tools.
School staff will receive training on the screening process and screening follow-up this school year. After a student completes the screening, families will be notified immediately if the screening results indicate a high risk for behavioral health concerns and will receive personalized information and resources based on their child’s results.
“Early identification and strong support systems can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” said Dr. Jennifer Salerno of Possibilities for Change.
“Through Rising Together—and with partners like J&B Medical—we are helping schools recognize when students may be struggling and connect them with support sooner.”