Well-Being In Schools: Programming to Support Safety, Connection, & Communication

• In Event: Research in Progress Division G: Diversity in Education

Abstract

Most adults with substance use disorder (SUD) report first using substances while school aged. Substance use can contribute to mental illness, and mental illness may contribute to substance use. Chronic stress, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and trauma increase the risk for both (NIDA, 2020). School officials are well positioned to notice signs of behavioral, mental, and social-emotional changes in students and can intervene to reduce the impact. Social connection and improved communications in schools have the potential to improve mental health outcomes for all school community members. Our project, funded by the US Department of Justice, is designed to meet the need for school personnel training in Ohio, an area of the US that has been hit particularly hard by the opioid epidemic.

Authors

• Kristina Nell LaVenia, Bowling Green State University

• Marlise Lonn, Bowling Green State University