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BOISE, Dec., 9, 2022 – A new program addressing student mental health and supporting families in our communities is being offered in the Boise, Kuna and West Ada School Districts. The Student and Family Assistance Program (SFAP) is presented through a partnership between Central District Health and BPA Health.
The SFAP includes free counseling sessions for each student and their families. These sessions are solution-focused, allowing students to reduce problems that interfere with their academic success. The program includes five separate sessions per mental or behavioral issue.
“This new program is expanding existing youth mental and behavioral health services by including all family members and adding new avenues that didn’t exist before” said Russell Duke, CDH director. “The fact that the service is free will eliminate cost barriers that might exist.”
BPA Health offers in-person counseling as well as virtual appointments so that families can access the help they need in a timely manner.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this resource to students, families and the Ada County community. As a parent and a business leader, I know how much mental health can affect a student’s ability to thrive in the classroom. The more we can provide spaces for young people and their families to access support easily and readily, the healthier and stronger our communities will be.” said Sarah Woodley, CEO BPA Health.
Additionally, the SFAP features a crisis hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week for families and individuals who need immediate assistance. BPA Health offers additional support services including a variety of topics from legal advice to financial planning.
“In the Boise School District we are committed to seeing that our students and families have the resources they need to succeed,” said Boise School District Superintendent Coby Dennis. “This includes supporting a healthy home and family life by providing resources such as the SFAP. We are grateful to Central District Health and BPA Health for providing this valuable service and we encourage those in need to learn more about the Student and Family Assistance Program. By supporting our students and families we can create a responsive culture of care and success both inside and outside the classroom.”
Additional information will be made available to eligible school district families about how they can access this benefit starting this month. You can learn more online at BPA-SFAP-Student-Flyer,
Volantes del Programa de Asistencia Para Estudiantes y Familias, and bpahealth.com.
About Central District Health
Central District Health, Public Health District IV, is one of seven public health districts within the state of Idaho, serving the counties of Ada, Boise, Elmore, and Valley. With a vision of Healthy People in Healthy Communities, CDH’s emphasis is on decreasing risk factors for chronic disease, improving quality of life and increasing the years of healthy life among residents.
Contacts:
Maria Ortega, Communications Manager
Office: 208-327-8639 | Cell: 208-871-1712
mortega@cdh.idaho.gov | cdh.idaho.gov/news
Kelly Carew, Director of Business Development
Cell: 208-473-2909
kelly.carew@bpahealth.com
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