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Are Your Students' Well-Being Needs Being Met? Consider Adding a Wellness Room to Your School
In recent years, the mental health of young people has become a growing concern. Recent findings from the CDC highlight the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health. In 2021, over a third (37%) of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health, and 44% persistently felt sad or hopeless. Additionally, more than half (55%) experienced emotional abuse by a parent or other adult in the home, and 11% faced physical abuse. The pandemic also led to significant family disruptions, with 29% of students reporting job loss in their families.
Given these alarming trends, it is crucial for schools to provide supportive environments that address students' mental health needs. One effective solution is the implementation of Wellness Rooms within school settings, such as in the nurse's office or existing School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs).
What is a Wellness Room?
A Wellness Room is a dedicated space within a school designed to support students' mental and emotional well-being. These rooms offer a safe and calming environment where students can practice mindfulness, relaxation, and other coping skills. The goal is to help students manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, improving their overall well-being and academic performance.
The Braintree Wellness Room Model
The Braintree Wellness Room Model, developed and deployed in Utah in 2018, has been successfully implemented in over 100 schools across the state. This model is effective for all grades K-12 and serves all children regardless of insurance coverage. The cost of the program per school for two years is $2,500, which includes initial and ongoing training, a data system, and monthly support and training calls.
Each school identifies four champions, including the principal, a paraprofessional, and two other faculty members, who receive one and a half days of training. All other administrative staff and faculty receive one hour of training, and all students are introduced to the room through a tour and training session. Additionally, each school would need to have a paraprofessional (Educational Assistant) that is assigned to the Wellness Room.
Proven Outcomes
The 2023 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (NM-YRRS) includes data on the impact of Wellness Rooms in schools. Here are some key findings:
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Usage Rates: Approximately 25% of students reported using Wellness Rooms at least once during the school year.
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Mental Health Impact: Students who used Wellness Rooms reported a 15% decrease in feelings of sadness and hopelessness compared to those who did not use these rooms.
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Overall Satisfaction: About 80% of students who used Wellness Rooms felt that these spaces positively impacted their mental health and well-being.
These findings highlight the importance of Wellness Rooms in supporting student mental health. The feedback from students, faculty, and parents has been overwhelmingly positive.
Call to Action
Exciting News! UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of New Mexico will be sponsoring five Wellness Rooms in New Mexico. We are looking for schools interested in being part of this initiative.
If your school is interested in learning more about implementing a Wellness Room and potentially being sponsored, please contact:
Alicia Kormick (Children's Services Liaison Schools and SBHCs)
alicia_kormick@uhc.com, (505)-796-3315
Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive environment for our students.
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