The Yampa Valley Community Foundation has addressed a $110,000 funding shortfall for mental health services in the Steamboat Springs School District, ensuring the continuation of all contracted mental health providers through the 2026-27 academic year, as stated in a release on Friday.
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Traci Hiatt, Vice President of Philanthropy for YVCF, emphasized the importance of mental health access for students, stating, "Ensuring our students have access to mental health care is vital for the health of our entire community. When this shortfall arose, our donors stepped up without hesitation to ensure no student was left waiting for support."
District officials indicated that providing comprehensive mental health support requires the collaboration of various stakeholders. This includes funding from the Steamboat Springs Education Fund Board, which supports school counselor positions through a voter-approved half-cent sales tax, as well as state and federal grants. Additionally, a community partnership with Northwest Colorado Health and initiatives like a Mental Wellness Day help to promote sustained mental wellness among students.
Shelby DeWolfe, Director of Mental and Behavioral Health Services, remarked on the community's support: "The variety of funding we utilize to support our mental health services shows the vast community support for maintaining these programs. Ensuring access to mental health services helps keep students ready and equipped to bring their best selves to the classroom."
Community members who wish to support student mental health initiatives can reach out to Emily Beyer, the SSSD Grants and Strategic Partnerships Manager, at [email protected], or contact Traci Hiatt at [email protected].