Mental Health Program Able to Continue [Corrected 09/25/05]

A Cattaraugus County Mental Health Program at Pioneer Central High School is continuing this school year, despite an estimated $75,000 decrease in federal and state aid.

Pioneer School Board members were told Tuesday night that county personnel are running a satellite office at the high school from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Students dealing with issues ranging from depression to family crises are referred by high school guidance counselors to the office, which is staffed by a part-time and a full-time county employee.

School Superintendent Jeffrey Bowen said the program is being funded through Medicaid for lower-income families or by a per-visit charge after a student seeks services.

State and federal funds had been received by the office for the last two to three years.

“We took steps earlier this year for the program to become a satellite service,” Bowen said.

He estimated that 150 of the school’s approximately 900 ninth- through 12th-graders visited the office. School officials reported that there were 554 counseling sessions done by the program.

In other news, school officials also announced that the Pioneer and Franklinville school districts are offering the Even Start Family Literacy Program this year.

It includes early childhood education and preschool, free transportation, free breakfast and lunch, home visits to assist with early child development, a grade-equivalency diploma program, parenting skill-building and field trips.

Families with children up to age 8 can call Pioneer at 492-9437 or Franklinville at 676-8000, Ext. 2218.