Read Full Story at The Michigan Daily
The University of Michigan program “Transforming Research into Action to Improve the Lives of Students” finalized its partnership with Detroit Public Schools Community District last week to expand access to mental health care in schools, after successful implementation in Washtenaw County.
TRAILS launched in 2013 when local Ann Arbor area high school community members expressed an overwhelming need for mental health support for students. The program began its partnership with the Ann Arbor Public School district in 2013, and has since expanded to 40 Washtenaw County schools.
Andrew Nalepa, a school psychologist at Skyline High School, said he has seen the direct benefits from the TRAILS program in Ann Arbor.
“The coaching model and having someone with us to help support us getting the program off the ground was vital to the long-term success,” Nalepa said. “Now we’re completely independent, and we’ve been running groups for six years now. We’re training any new staff that we have come in that wants to participate in delivering the TRAILS program.”
