Project AWARE
Advancing Wellness And Resiliency in Education
Project AWARE Oklahoma is a partnership between the Oklahoma State Department of Education, the State Department of Mental Health and schools within three pilot communities: Elk City, Woodward and Weatherford. Funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Project AWARE supports schools and communities in:
Raising awareness of behavioral health issues among school-aged youth
Providing training to detect and respond to mental health challenges and crisis in children and young adults
Increasing access to behavioral health supports for children, youth and families
We have learned through research that our area experiences higher than average rates of poverty, mental illness, inadequate access to mental health resources and other health disparities. We have also learned that individuals with less education experience a greater number of health risks such as obesity, substance abuse, and intentional and unintentional injury. Higher levels of education are associated with longer life expectancy. This is what State Superintendent Joy Hoffmiester has to say about Oklahoma Project AWARE. Oklahoma Project AWARE has clearly outlined goals and objectives to offer hope and improve outcomes for Elk City students.
Elk CIty Public Schools is committed to partnering with Oklahoma Project AWARE to provide access to:
Partnerships with counseling and wrap around services regardless of ability to pay
SPARCS small group counseling for kids who have experienced trauma
List of local and area resources to help meet the needs of community members
Project AWARE in Elk City is comprised of teachers, principals, counselors and community managers.
For more information you can contact:
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Carol Garrison - Project AWARE Community Grant Manager | Jodie Laufer - Project AWARE LPC |
laufer.jodie@elkcityschools.com |
National Suicide Prevention LifeLine - 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line - Text 'NAMI' to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 support via text message
NAMI Oklahoma HelpLine
1-800-583-1264 M-F, 9am-4pm for FREE mental health info and support