By james art 
By Sym Posey | Birmingham Times
Satera Bigham, a psychologist at Birmingham City Schools (BCS), has seen an increase in students’ mental health needs.
In the wake of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, “community violence and adverse childhood experiences have had a profound impact on students’ emotional, psychological and social well-being,” she said Monday as BCS accepted a $3.1 million expansion grant of mental health services.
Bigham, who helped write the grant, said, “in writing this proposal, it was really difficult to capture the extent of the trauma that students are facing. Recognizing this urgent need, the School Mental Health Grant aims to increase the number of credentialed mental health professionals working in the district, as well as increase the number of students receiving critical mental health services.”
Bigham, U.S. Rep. Terry Sewell and BCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan were at AH Parker High School to announce the funding.
“I believe this is a public health crisis and one that requires our immediate action, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here today,” Sewell said. “I am proud to represent over 100,000 children and among my top priorities is to protect, ensure their well-being, especially in the classroom.”
With the five-year grant, BCS will employ 22 accredited mental health service providers, as well as be able to partner in contract services with three community mental health service agencies.
“At Birmingham City Schools, we focus on preparing all scholars for success,” Sullivan said. “In our current post-COVID environment, that means we need to address the needs of the whole child. This school mental health grant will help us provide much needed services and support for all our students.”
As the product of two lifelong educators as parents, the issue is personal to me, Sewell said.
“I believe there is no higher calling than raising the next generation of leaders… this project will help attract more mental health professionals to our schools and reduce financial barriers to mental health services for students who need them. It will also expand professional development opportunities and help us recruit and train mental health professionals from diverse backgrounds. …”