Kentucky selected for year-long national program supporting students' mental health

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky is one of six states selected to participate in a year-long program to support student mental health, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's office announced Tuesday.

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices Children Families selected the state to participate in the Policy Academy to Drive Thriving Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Alabama, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Virginia and Kentucky were selected for the program.

Kentucky's team will be focused on expanding and improving school-based mental health services and support, according to a news release Tuesday. The project will also support states in incorporating student voices.

"As a teacher, I dedicated my career to serving my community from the classroom," Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman said in a news release. "In our education-first administration, Kentucky’s students and their wellbeing remain top of mind. I am thankful for the National Governors Association and the numerous funders of this project for their investment in Kentucky’s students. I am especially grateful they are following Kentucky’s lead and inviting the experts – our students – to be an integral piece of this project."

According to the 2023 State of Mental Health in America conducted by Mental Health America, Kentucky ranks 11th in the nation for mental health and access to care. This includes being ranked No. 1 for adult mental health and No. 31 for youth mental health.

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