WAPS mental health, drug treatment programs OK’d

Some teens struggling with drug addictions will have an opportunity this fall to receive school-based treatment and counseling.

The Winona Area Public Schools Board on Thursday unanimously approved a proposal from the Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center, Winona Senior High School principal Kelly Halvorsen and Miller Mentoring director Cindy Althoff to implement a chemical-dependency and mental-health treatment program this year for high school students.

Participants will attend treatment in the morning at the former Central Elementary School building, then return to the high school in the afternoon for a half-day of classes. They will receive academic credit for the morning programming.

Hiawatha Valley adolescent counselor Todd Hoffe has said the program is necessary and will create a positive and encouraging environment to help students who are battling substance abuse.

I dont even know if there is a program around that looks like this, Hoffe said at a previous board meeting. Its very creative. Its very now. Its very needed.

The pilot program, which will serve about six students this fall and could be expanded at a later date, will cost the school district an estimated $25,000.

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WAPS mental health, drug treatment programs OK’d