Lexington-Richland School District 5 has welcomed a new staff member whose goal is to ensure the district has all the necessary tools and resources to assist with students’ mental well-being.

Beth Hook, previously the district’s lead clinical counselor, assumed her new role as Mental health services coordinator Oct. 13. Her new priorities are linking students and families to mental health services, providing tools and resources for staff, and improving the sustainability and capacity of the district’s clinical counseling.

“Beth Hook is a highly skilled and experienced leader who understands the increasing social and emotional needs of students and their families,” Michael Harris, District 5’s chief of student services and planning, is quoted in a press release. “As a supporter and advocate of those who experience crisis and trauma, Ms. Hook has the poise, dedication, and expertise to serve this district and community well.”

She will also serve as the district’s coordinator for a service called Care Solace. Available to students, families and staff, the service helps find verified therapists and programs at no cost, according to the release.

Hook told the Chronicle that mental health issues do not know ethnicity, do not know race, and do not know economic circumstances, which is why she wants all students to have access to vital resources.

According to Hook the main issue the district faces is rising rates of anxiety and depression among students. She said this has been compounded the last couple of years due to COVID-19.

“We have to acknowledge that there’s mental health needs and we have to meet them where they are and provide them with tools and resources to be able to flourish,” Hook said, emphasizing that the district is working to meet this challenge.

All district schools are equipped with a school counselor, psychologist, social worker and clinical counselor. Some schools also have a therapist from the state Department of Mental Health.

Each school within the district has staff who are trained in Mental Health First Aid, a course that educates them on recognizing the signs and symptoms of a student in mental health distress and being able to utilize the right tools to help. The district partners with Brookland Lakeview Empowerment Center and the Lexington-Richland Alcohol and Drug Commission to provide this training.

Students also have access to the Stop-It app, an anonymous 24/7 resource for students to reach out about their mental health or problems faced by others. The app is monitored by several district administrators.

“We know the importance of serving the whole child, and we want to make sure that we are incorporating that in our daily practices,” Hook said.