Eliane’s Story: Mental Health Support in Schools

At the onset of the pandemic, Eliane, a former student at Portland High School, struggled with her anxiety and fell behind in school. Greater Portland Health’s (GPH) School-Based Health Center team worked collaboratively to help Eliane and establish behavioral health services. Eliane isn’t alone. 1 in 5 young people reports that the pandemic had a significant negative impact on their mental health (NAMI). School-Based Health Centers are critical to accessing necessary healthcare, assisting students in navigating anxiety and mental health by offering behavioral health services directly in their school, as well as primary medical and oral health services. United Way of Southern Maine’s support has helped GPH expand services across three Portland High Schools and Westbrook High School and helped increase access to these critical services for students. Watch now to learn more and how United Way’s support is helping to mobilize support for a thriving community.