Amerigroup Brings Behavioral Health Resources to Hundreds of Texas Schools to Help Thousands of Teens Improve Their Mental Wellbeing

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amerigroup, one of the largest managed health benefit coordinators in Texas, has engaged education innovator EVERFI, Inc. to launch interactive mental health and wellness courses at more than 850 colleges and high schools in more than 240 mostly rural Texas counties. . Amerigroup financing allows EVERFI to launch Understanding mental well-beinga digital curriculum designed to equip students in grades 8-10 with the knowledge and skills they need to develop, maintain, and promote positive mental health in themselves and their peers.

“Too many of our children are experiencing behavioral health crises and facing external circumstances that can diminish their mental health, so Amerigroup is taking strategic steps to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to face the challenges as well. only 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 facing stark disparities, and we believe we will succeed in making a positive and meaningful difference in life and the future.”

Physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health issues. National statistics show that one in four children will suffer from a mental illness during childhood. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing estimates that half of all mental disorders begin around age 14.

EVERFI’s Understanding mental well-being The curriculum introduces students to the topic of mental health and the ways they can implement coping strategies to manage difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This course exposes them to the experiences of others to build awareness and empathy, increase acceptance and reduce stigma, and provide facts about the prevalence and symptoms of mental health issues. From a public perspective, students have the opportunity to explore mental health and challenges, learn how to develop strategies to deal with these challenges, and learn about resources they can access to get help when they are in trouble. need.

“It’s critical to approach the challenge of mental health with awareness from all angles,” said EVERFI Co-Founder and President Jon Chapman. “We wanted to design a program that benefits those affected by mental health issues, those who want to develop and maintain positive mental health, and those who have the opportunity to positively impact the mental health of friend or peer.”

Understanding mental well-being covers several topics, including:

• Introduction to mental health

• Understanding Mental Health Challenges

• Coping Strategies in Mental Health

• Staying healthy in uncertain times

• Find and offer help

• Create a supportive mental health plan

Educators begin 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 class, educators conduct a post-class survey and evaluation to measure what students have learned. The objectives of the course are to reduce stigma, so that students can feel compassion for someone with a mental health disorder; encourage students to ask for help without hesitation; and to help students believe that their own mental health and well-being are in their control.

Amerigroup worked with EVERFI in Texas to roll out classes that began with the launch of the 2022-2023 school year. They are available in English and Spanish and have been made available to schools considered 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 access and quality of healthcare for more than one million Texans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Consumers are assured of receiving 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 maintain a healthy lifestyle. For more information about Amerigroup Texas, visit www.myamerigroup.com/tx.