Miami Beach Expands Behavioral Health Access Program
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 PRESS RELEASE
Tonya Daniels, E-mail: tonyadaniels@miamibeachfl.gov
Melissa Berthier, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2017
Miami Beach Expands Behavioral Health Access Program
-- More Than 5,100 Students Will Receive the Help They Need to Succeed --
Miami Beach, FL – When graduation and qualifying grades are not attainable, mental
health is typically to blame. Behavioral health issues such as anxiety, depression and
inattention interfere with a child’s health and ultimately their academic achievement.
The future of Miami Beach lies in the youth and their ability to learn without obstacles.
Since its launch in 2016, the City of Miami Beach has worked collaboratively with the
Miami Beach Chamber Education Foundation and Borinquen Health Care Center,
through The Children’s Trust, to provide comprehensive on-site services such as social-
emotional screenings, behavioral assessments, crisis interventions and counseling.
“A student’s peace of mind creates a foundation for success and happiness throughout
their lifetime,” expressed Miami Beach Commissioner Micky Steinberg. “With grant
assistance, we hope to expand the program and help build a quality public education
system that develops the future leaders in our community.”
In an effort to improve the well-being of the student population throughout all of Miami
Beach, the school-based initiative has expanded its services to providing a full-time
licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) on a more consistent basis. Originally based out
of only one Miami Beach school, the program is now offered throughout all public
schools in the city including: Miami Beach Senior High School, Nautilus Middle School,
Feinberg Fisher K-8 Center, South Pointe Elementary, Biscayne Elementary & North
Beach Elementary.
Mental health needs to be addressed in a timely manner for long-term solutions to be
accomplished. Aiming to prevent behavioral health problems, the program will also
further its services to identify risk factors and increase the proportion of students who
receive care. Nurses, LCSWs, school administration and city staff will work
collaboratively to promote awareness among students and educate parents and
teachers on high-risk behaviors while also providing early assessments and evaluations.
The program expansion will not only facilitate positive behavior, but ensure healthy
school environments for years to come.
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
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