GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amerigroup, one of Texas’ largest coordinators of managed healthcare benefits, has engaged education innovator EVERFI, Inc. to launch interactive mental health and wellness courses in more than 850 middle and high schools across more than 240, mostly rural, Texas counties. Amerigroup funding allows EVERFI to launch Understanding Mental Wellness, a digital curriculum designed to equip students in grades 8 to 10 with the knowledge and skills they need to build, maintain and promote positive mental health in themselves and their peers.
“Too many of our children are experiencing behavioral health crises and face external circumstances that can diminish their mental health, so Amerigroup is taking strategic action to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to cope with challenges as well as to help friends and family who may be struggling emotionally,” said Greg Thompson, President of Amerigroup Texas. “With the help of EVERFI, we plan to reach thousands of students in areas of Texas that face harsh disparities, and we believe that we will be successful in making a positive, meaningful difference in lives and futures.”
Physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. National statistics show that one in four children will have a mental illness during childhood. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing estimates that half of all mental disorders begin by age 14.
EVERFI's Understanding Mental Wellness curriculum introduces students to the topic of mental health, and the ways in which they can implement coping strategies to manage challenging thoughts, emotions and behaviors. This course exposes them to the experiences of others to develop awareness and empathy, increases acceptance and reduces stigma, and provides facts about the prevalence and symptoms of mental health conditions. Through a public lens, students have the opportunity to explore mental health and challenges, learn how to develop strategies for managing those challenges, and become aware of resources that can be accessed for help when needed.
“It is critical to approach the challenge of mental health with awareness from all perspectives,” said EVERFI Co-Founder and President, Jon Chapman. “We wanted to design a program that benefits those who are impacted by mental health challenges, those who want to build and maintain positive mental health, and those who have the opportunity to positively impact the mental health of a friend or peer.”
Understanding Mental Wellness covers several topics, including:
- Introduction to Mental Health
- Understanding Mental Health Challenges
- Mental Health Coping Strategies
- Staying Healthy in Times of Uncertainty
- Seeking and Offering Help
- Creating a Supportive Mental Health Plan
Educators start with a pre-course survey that measures student attitudes, planned behaviors and demographics. Then, there is a pre-lesson assessment that measures students’ existing knowledge about mental health. After course lessons, educators conduct a post-course survey and assessment to measure what students learned. The goals of the course are to reduce stigma, so students can feel compassion for someone with a mental health disorder; to encourage students to seek help without hesitation; and to help students believe that their own mental health and wellness are within their control.
Amerigroup has been working with EVERFI in Texas to roll out courses that began with the launch of the 2022-2023 school year. They are available in both English and Spanish and have been made available in schools considered to be most in need, including the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District. To learn more about this innovative solution, visit https://everfi.com/courses/k-12/understanding-mental-wellness/.
ABOUT AMERIGROUP TEXAS
Amerigroup Texas helps improve healthcare access and quality for more than a million Texans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Consumers are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup Texas provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage consumers to become active participants in their healthcare. Through health education programs, consumers are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle. For more information about Amerigroup Texas, visit www.myamerigroup.com/tx.
