Hays CISD, CASA of Central Texas could receive grant funding for mental health, substance use, other needs

The Hays County Commissioners Court received two presentations Oct. 11 regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Texas and for behavioral health in schools.

According to the National Association for Mental Illness, one in five students in the U.S. experiences a clinical mental health disorder; this funding will help provide resources for students suffering from mental health issues and substance use.

Funds used for prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction in mental health and behavioral health spaces related to or as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible uses of ARPA funds, according to the U.S. Treasury guidelines.

Hays County will be giving grants of up to $200,000 to Hays CISD as well as Wimberley and Dripping Springs ISDs for mental health and substance use services, especially as four students died in two months from fentanyl overdoses.

Each school district will be responsible for submitting an application to the county along with documents supporting the cost of mental health and substance use resources.

Additionally, CASA of Central Texas will also be receiving ARPA funding from the county to recover from a decrease in revenue as a result of the pandemic. CASA of Central Texas is a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of children who are abused or neglected and helps find a suitable care for them.

The grant funding for CASA was set at $50,000, which was doubled at the meeting.

Contracts will be brought back at an upcoming meeting for approval.