Greensburg Salem School District is partnering with a California firm to help students, staff and their families seeking mental health and substance abuse assistance.
Care Solace is charged with helping Greensburg Salem clients navigate the mental health care system —matching their needs with available providers.
After receiving parent permission, students may be connected to Care Solace services through a school referral. District families and staff can contact Care Solace by calling 888-515-0595.
The firm can make calls to providers and schedule appointments on behalf of clients.
Information remains confidential, but those who would rather remain anonymous can search for providers by answering questions at caresolace.com.
Greensburg Salem superintendent Ken Bissell said the agreement with Care Solace is meant to “ensure the health and well-being of our students, staff and their families. Mental health care is an essential part of that well-being, and the resources offered through Care Solace will further our commitment to providing a safe and healthy learning environment for our children.”
The district has contracted with Care Solace through June 30, 2024. There is no direct cost to Greensburg Salem clients who use the service, but the district will pay the firm $19,600, based on a student enrollment of 2,800.
That fee will be covered by money set aside through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund and American Rescue Plan, to address student learning loss during the covid-19 pandemic.
A 2021 online Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey of students in grades 9-12 indicated about 37% of students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic. During the 12 months prior to the survey, nearly 20% had seriously considered attempting suicide and 9% had made an attempt.
“The return to in-person learning and the lasting effects of loss and grief continue to pose challenges for staff and families in the 2022-23 school year,” said Chad Castruita, founder and CEO of Care Solace.
“We are proud to support the Greensburg Salem School District in prioritizing the well-being of its school community.”
Hempfield Area and Fox Chapel Area are among other area districts that have contracted with Care Solace.
According to its website, the firm offers services to about 3 million students, 150,000 school staff members and 12 million parents and family members.
The Care Solace service is optional, Greensburg Salem officials note.
Visit greensburgsalem.org/apps/pages/caresolace for more information.
The firm does not itself provide mental health services or respond to emergencies.
