he Hardin School District was accepted into a new program called the “District Comprehensive Approach” that aims to address students’ and staff’s mental and emotional health needs.
The program will work with the district over three years to identify needs and create and implement customized solutions at no cost.
The district serves 1,750 students, 78% of whom are Indigenous, and is located near the Crow Reservation. Many students face challenges like poverty and trauma.
Getting behavioral health services can be very difficult, with wait times of 6 months to a year on the reservation and lack of providers and transportation in the rural area.
The district is understaffed, lacking substitutes, psychiatrists, and recommended ratios of social workers and psychologists. This adds stress to teachers and students.
Improving mental health is important for student safety, learning, and building trust in the tribal community. The new program aims to help give students resilience.