Edmunds Elementary School was the launch site for a new mental health initiative to provide students in Des Moines and across Iowa greater access to quality care.
Dr. Travis Gayles, chief health officer of Hazel Health, was joined by Katie Issa, behavioral health coordinator at Des Moines Public Schools, and Iowa women’s basketball star Hannah Stuelke for a round table discussion in the Edmunds library about the urgent need to address youth mental health and support students to thrive in the new school year. Stuelke’s mantra – “Happy Like Hannah” – is meant to inspire other students to embrace their deeply curious, enthusiastic and creative nature – while having access to the mental health support they need to thrive. A demonstration of the service was also provided.
“We are deeply committed to prioritizing the well-being of our students, and ensuring that every student in Des Moines has the support they need to thrive,” said Dr. Ian Roberts, superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools. “Our focus on mental health for the 2024-25 school year underscores the need for us as educators to support students holistically, and services like Hazel Health will allow us to break down barriers and expand access to quality mental health care services where students spend most of their day — in school.”
Following the discussion and demonstration Stuelke connected with students in a summer program at Edmunds for some autographs and selfies.
This new initiative is part of a $1.5M investment from UnitedHealthcare to expand access to youth mental health services statewide. These funds have been provided to Hazel Health for virtual mental health services to approximately 100,000 K-12 students. Hazel Health is a leading provider of student-based telehealth services for some 4.5 million students across the country.
Further details and information on how students can access this service will be provided in the near future.
