Leveraging Community Partnerships to Promote Mental Health Education in K–12 Schools: A Policy Implementation Study

• In Event: Community School Partnerships

Abstract

New York was the first state to require mental health education as a part of health education curricula, however, curriculum and delivery parameters were not specified. As a key partner, the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS) was tasked to aid schools in the implementation process. Using MHANYS’ Resource Center as a case example of a community-school partnership, study findings revealed positive collaborative opportunities that arose from the partnership, as well as unintentional ways the community partner may influence implementation. This study suggests that implementation research on educational policy is essential and should not be limited to school-level analysis. School-community partnerships are increasingly required to meet educational goals and should be investigated further to enhance mental health education.

Authors

• Peter Knox, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Candra Skrzypek, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Annahita Ball, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Elizabeth A. Mellin, Binghamton University - SUNY