The full award details can be found here.

‍

Daybreak Health, a leading K-12 mental health provider, has announced the winners of their inaugural “Mental Health Innovator of the Year” awards for 2024. This award recognizes K-12 districts for excellence in supporting the mental health needs of students and families in their communities.

‍

Representing districts of all sizes, both urban and rural, 6 districts from across the country were awarded for their dedication and commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students and families. Each district was recognized for different aspects of their mental health programs including providing more equitable access to services, culturally competent care, teletherapy services, onsite care, elementary and family support, and more. More details about each award can be found here.

‍

The following districts were selected for these awards:

• Guilford County Schools, North Carolina - Trailblazer of the Year
• San Diego Unified, California - Onsite Partner of the Year
• Manor ISD, Texas - Community Collaborator of the Year
• Crystal Lake Elementary District 47, Illinois - Elementary Partner of the Year
• Oroville Union High School District, California - Rural Partner of the Year
• San Lorenzo Unified School District, California - Daybreak Partner of the Year

‍

“As the youth mental health crisis continues, students and families across the country are struggling to access the mental health support they need,” shared Daybreak Health CEO, Alex Alvarado. “Barriers like cost, transportation, limited clinical supply, and lack of culturally competent care are creating inequities in accessing mental health services. Our Mental Health Innovators of the Year are bridging this gap and bringing essential mental health services to their communities.”

‍

As Dr. Whitney Oakley, Superintendent of awarded district Guilford County Schools previously shared, “the mental health space is now very much part of public education…ultimately bridging the gap that exists between a student's education and their health, whether it's physical health or mental health, provides equity. When we think about educational achievement, you can't have one without the other.”

‍

Jon Wood, Director of Education at rural Oroville Union High School District shared, "In Oroville, our students face a variety of significant challenges that impact their well-being and education. From the devastating effects of wildfires and smoke exposure to the struggles associated with poverty and housing insecurity, our community endures many hardships. These adverse experiences, compounded by limited access to healthcare and mental health services in our rural setting, can make it difficult for students to thrive. Despite these challenges, we are committed to providing the support and resources our students and families need to build resilience and succeed, and this award highlights the importance of that mission."

‍About Daybreak Health‍

Daybreak Health partners with 100+ K-12 districts across the country to provide mental health support to help students reach their full potential. Daybreak’s teletherapy and onsite programs are designed to give students and families equitable access to high-quality and culturally competent care—at no cost to families. Our evidence-based programs provide effective treatments that reduce crisis escalations, the need for Tier 3 interventions, and chronic absenteeism. To learn more about Daybreak, visit daybreakhealth.com.