U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AWARDS OVER $4 MILLION TO BIBB & MUSCOGEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO SUPPORT SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

MACON, Ga. - Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., (GA-02) a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, is delighted to announce a federal award from the U.S. Department of Education totaling $4,567,325 to the Bibb County ($2,569,674) and Muscogee County ($1,997,651) School Districts. The School-Based Mental Health Grant Program provides public schools with the resources needed to hire and retain mental health professionals and create a safe environment for all students.

"When children in need of help are supported at school, behavior problems are less likely to occur and grades and test scores are more likely to improve," said Congressman Bishop. "Georgia schools are places where every student should feel safe and cared for. That is why the School-Based Mental Health Grant Program exists - to make our schools safer by ensuring each student receives the care and attention they need and deserve."

"Receiving funding for our Built4Bibb School-Based Mental Health Services Program marks a transformative step for the Bibb County School District," said Tajalyn Woodruff on behalf of Bibb County Schools. "This grant will enable us to improve the way we focus on the wellness of our students by increasing student access to mental health professionals while also developing a fully coordinated system of social emotional and behavioral supports for students within our schools."

"Mental health is truly a societal problem that extends to children as well. As educators, we must be concerned with the whole child, which includes their mental, social, and emotional well-being that can adversely impact their academic progress," said Dr. David Lewis, Muscogee School Superintendent. "On behalf of the Muscogee County School District and the many students and families who will benefit, I am very grateful for the significant funding provided through this federal grant that will augment our district's efforts through eleven additional social workers and a school psychologist focused on effective mental and behavioral interventions, support and services."

The School-Based Mental Health Grant Program was made possible by the Fiscal Year 2024 federal government funding bill, which Congressman Bishop supported.

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