Lexington High, Junior High Schools to Welcome Mental Health ‘Wellness Coordinators’ (Joseph Trolian)

April 7, 2022

Now that schools have returned to in-person classes, a high level of stress, anxiety, and depression are being seen among young people. Executive Director Joseph Trolian of the Richland County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board presented a new initiative to the Lexington School Board. The MH&RS Board will place Wellness Coordinators at the junior high and high school. Director Trolian states that the trained and licensed professionals will provide needed support during a crisis as well as providing education addressing coping skills and other social topics. Coordinators can provide supports to classes and provide brief interactions with students. They will also be available to support teachers and administration. Christy Ellis-Trolian stated that she is proud of this collaboration especially with having a child in Lexington Schools.

Joe Trolian stated that having staff from community agencies in the schools will allow for relationships to be built between schools and community, and allow students to continue to access help even if school is not in session. Trolian made the observation that mental and emotional issues do not take a spring break or summer break. He also stated that this can be more convenient for parents to be involved if the coordinator has evening office hours at the agency so parents don’t have to miss work. Director Trolian said that his goal is to have Wellness Teams in all of the school districts in Richland County.

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