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How Sacramento area schools are reducing mental health stigma

Three middle school campuses will each have a dedicated team, called a "Safe Zone Squad," which will consist of a youth advocate mental health worker and a mental health counselor, according to the county.

Youth in Sacramento County will soon have more access to mental health services.

The county recently received a $2 million mental health services grant for youth ages 11 through 14, aimed at increasing mental health services in several Sacramento County schools.

Three middle school campuses will each have a dedicated team, called the “Safe Zone Squad,” which will consist of a youth advocate mental health worker and a mental health counselor, according to the county. Teams will offer regular walk-in crisis services and will work with students, parents, and faculty. The goal is to destigmatize mental illness, educated clients on managing stress, and learn how to identify someone who is in need of counseling.

The $2 million has been awarded to the Sacramento County Health Department through the Mental Health Wellness Act or Senate Bill 82.

“As we continue to build out our services continuum, we are including more services targeted at youth,” Uma Zykofsky, Sacramento County Behavioral Health Director, said in the press release.

Micaela Stafford, 20, of Elk Grove says these resources are important.

Stafford has struggled with an anxiety disorder since she was a young child. She says the help she received from her mental health counselor at Albiani Middle School changed her life for the best.

Now Stafford works with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and shares her personal experience at local schools.

To put the issue into perspective, the Elk Grove Unified School District serves more than 63,000 students at more than 60 schools and programs, according to their website.

They have a tiered support system which includes 66 counselors, 55 psychologists, and 24 mental health therapists

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