New Mexico school districts to gain funds for mental health

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Three New Mexico school districts have been awarded funding to bolster mental health services over the next several years. The Santa Fe New Mexican reports the state Public Education Department was bestowed earlier this month with a five-year, $8.9 million federal grant. The state has selected districts in Santa Fe, Farmington and Socorro to get grants to help students struggling mentally. The districts were chosen partly because of they serve many low-income students and students who speak English as a second language. The funds come from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The program, dubbed Project AWARE, will cover mental health trainings for staff.