SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A mental health pilot program established late last year is making a difference for students in Sioux Falls by expanding support across the school district.
The Rooted in Schools pilot program is a collaboration between the Sioux Falls School District, Avera Behavioral Health, and Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. The program provides on-site therapists at five public schools – Washington High School, Cleveland, Whittier Middle School, and Terry Redlin and Rosa Parks Elementary. Therapists are employed by Avera, and each works with over 25 students weekly.
“I can speak to all of the families that we work with at Terry Redland here; they have been really supportive,” said Heidi Thomas, Rooted in Schools manager. “This is that collaborative piece, so we’re really leaning into what the school already knows about these kids.”…