Hays County approves additional mental health counselor for Hays CISD
HAYS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — An additional mental health counselor is coming to the Hays Consolidated Independent School District.
RELATED COVERAGE: Hays County school districts eligible for extra money for counselors
On Tuesday, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved the funding for it.
The funds are coming from the Hays County American Rescue Plan Recovery Grant Agreement, according to the agenda item.
“The contract amendment will add additional funding to provide one additional mental health counselor to help bridge the gap in services that are crucial for students and district staff,” the agenda item said.
RELATED COVERAGE: New mental health, substance use facility opens in Hays County
Need for mental health services
Previously, KXAN reported on the need for more mental health services in Hays County.
Some families in the area are stuck waiting to get their children mental health and substance use services because of waitlists.
RELATED COVERAGE: Hays County allocates $200K to school districts for behavioral health services
Previously Hays Consolidated Independent School District’s Chief of Safety and Security Jeri Skrocki said more students are coming forward asking for help but they are having trouble finding any place to take them in.
Hays CISD fentanyl deaths
Hays County has been dealing with an increase in substance use.
Last school year alone, five Hays CISD students died from fentanyl poisonings.
Earlier this school year, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office reported another teenager dying from fentanyl.
PREVIOUS STORY: Officials: Hays CISD student dies from suspected fentanyl poisoning
A 15-year-old died from a suspected fentanyl poisoning, according to HCSO.
Hays CISD later confirmed with KXAN that it was one of their students.
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