2025 Annual Report

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

HOW IT WORKS

“We have found that every school system is unique and has different training needs.”

When the PATHS team decided to expand their services to schools, they immediately realized their assistance would differ from what they offer medical centers. Providing on-the-spot consulting for teachers and administrators wouldn’t work, nor would telemedicine appointments. What they could provide, however, was education. They began their efforts in the summer of 2024, meeting with mental health coordinators in school systems across Alabama to discuss what topics might need to be covered in their respective districts. Once those needs were identified, PATHS leaders set up in-person, virtual or hybrid training sessions. “We have found that every school system is unique and has different training needs,” Harwell said. “For example, if schools mention that they have had an increased number of students experiencing anxiety, we can partner with that school to provide a targeted

MARGO HARWELL, LICSW, PIP

training that is focused on strategies to help students manage their anxiety within the school environment.” PATHS leaders have offered training on that topic and others, including behavior management, depres sion, trauma and bullying. They’ve also taught educators how to identify the red flags of mental health concerns among students. The focus is, of course, on how to help students. But educators’ mental health needs are crucial, too. To help with that, the PATHS team offers sessions on self-care. “If a teacher or counselor isn’t caring for themselves, it becomes much harder to have the patience and emotional capacity needed to identify and support a “We have found that every school system is unique and has different training needs.”

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CHILDREN’S OF ALABAMA | UAB MEDICINE