NAMPA, Idaho — The Nampa School District has been awarded a three-year $150,000 grant from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. The money is aimed at creating programs and improving behavioral health resources for students.
The grant will be used during the first year at Central Elementary School, Sherman Elementary School and West Middle School, according to the foundation. Those three schools were chosen after a series of meetings with district personnel.
The district has not yet determined where it will apply the grant in its second and third year.
"Youth behavioral health has been an emerging focus in the district, and we appreciate our partnership with the Blue Cross Foundation in both preparing us for this opportunity and going forward," Nampa School District superintendent Dr. Paula Kellerer said in a statement. "This grant will strengthen our ability to expand our mental health response in our schools, allowing us to provide better outcomes for our students."
According to the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, the money will go towards creating new programs and projects, including the launch of a new mindfulness program. The grant will also provide for professional development for teachers and staff.
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"This grant is the result of a lot of time and effort put forth by our community partners, who are ready and willing to address the stigma surrounding behavioral health and its impact on students," said Nampa School Board Trustee Heather Lewis in a statement. "I look forward to seeing the outcome of new programs that will be implemented and continuing the conversation regarding the impact of behavioral health on our schools and the Nampa community as a whole. It's a vital conversation."
"The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health is focused on addressing trauma and the wellbeing of Idaho children, and this grant will help the Nampa School District better serve its students," said foundation executive director Kendra Witt-Doyle in a statement. "We appreciate the forward-thinking, proactive approach the district is taking to address one of Idaho's most pressing health issues."
