Orange, Region 5 School Districts Receive State Grant

ORANGE, CT – State Senator James Maroney is thrilled to welcome $433,9332.20 to support the hiring and retaining mental health specialists through 2026 for Orange and Region 5 School District.

On Aug. 3, Governor Ned Lamont announced the release of $15 million in funding for 72 school districts across Connecticut to support the hiring and retaining school mental specialists through 2026.

“Our local schools are dealing with the fallout of the increases in anxiety and depression among children ever since the pandemic,” Maroney said. “The addition of necessary resources allows for the continued support of students in need. I am grateful these funds will support mental health specialists in schools.

The Orange School District receives $249,763.50 Through the School Mental Health Specialist Grant, and the Region 5 School District gets $184,169. 70 to help retain and hire mental health specialists through 2026.

Maroney said the grants were spurred by the passage of crucial legislation 2022 by State Democrats, supporting youth mental health amid increasing reports of challenges students face today.