Research
Project AWARE
Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) enhances school-based mental wellness for children and adolescents across Mississippi by strengthening the connection between schools, families and community behavioral health services. The initiative partners with selected school districts to deliver training for school personnel, provide behavior specialist support within schools, offer family education and establish direct referral pathways to behavioral health care.
The program promotes mental wellness in school-aged youth by equipping educators and school staff with evidence-based strategies to identify early signs of emotional or behavioral distress, respond with appropriate interventions, and foster safe and supportive learning environments. Through professional development, consultation and coordinated intervention supports, Project AWARE increases schools' capacity to implement prevention, intervention and crisis response practices that sustain student well-being.
Services available to parents and caregivers include:
- Educational sessions and resources designed to help families recognize early signs of stress or behavioral challenges in children and adolescents.
- Access to licensed behavior specialists within participating schools who collaborate with students, staff and families on social emotional wellness, crisis prevention and resilience building.
- A referral process that connects families to behavioral health services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center when additional care is needed.
Parents and caregivers whose children attend participating school districts in Mississippi may be eligible for AWARE support. For information about participating districts and available resources, contact Erica Cattenhead at ecattenhead@umc.edu.
Faculty and Staff