CARSON CITY, Nev. - A pilot program launched by the Nevada Department of Education (NDE) provides schools and parents with new tools to support student mental health. Nevada Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) includes the use of a technology-based system that allows schools taking part in the pilot to confidentially screen students for behavioral and mental health needs and offers parents the ability to connect with services and resources for their children.

"We are committed to providing social-emotional support to help with our students' overall well-being," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jhone Ebert. "We find when our students feel safe, secure, and emotionally supported, they do better both academically and in life."

This pilot was made possible by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the national Project AWARE program. For the pilot, NDE will be using bhworks, a comprehensive student mental health software system by mdlogix. Most important for our students, their families, and our schools is the fact that bhworks  includes a Telehealth module and integrates with Medicaid billing systems to help with provider reimbursement.

Carson City School District, Washoe County School District, and the Public Charter School Authority are all taking part in this pilot program. 

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada's 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.