New Hanover County Schools Receive $7.5 Million Grant for Mental Health Services

New Hanover County Schools and Coastal Horizons Center are set to enhance mental health services for students, following a $7.5 million federal grant awarded to Coastal Horizons. This grant, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will fund Project AWARE, which allocates $1.5 million annually over five years.

The initiative aims to assist schools in identifying students' mental health needs and connecting them with necessary behavioral health services, including those concerning substance use. Coastal Horizons, a nonprofit organization dedicated to behavioral health and human services, will collaborate with the school district on this project. Their efforts will focus on prevention, early intervention, crisis response, and engagement with families and community providers.

Julie Varnam, deputy superintendent of New Hanover County Schools, emphasized the importance of supporting students' mental health and well-being for their success in both the classroom and life.

This funding is distinct from another $7.5 million grant for Project AWARE that was announced by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. That grant aims to support three school districts across the state from 2026 through 2031.