This project provides for the placement of High School Wellness Centers (HSWC) at public schools. HSWCs provide health, mental health, and social services, as well as family support/youth development services which attempt to address the needs of youth and to build their skills and strengths to be more successful in all sectors of their lives. Services are targeted to meet the specific needs of the school. This project is in accordance with the recommendations of the School Based Wellness Center Planning Group (SBWCPG), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). The selection of the host school is based upon criteria recommended by the SBWCPG. MCPS will oversee the construction of the HSWC sites. The County will occupy the space with DHHS personnel and contractors. The HSWC are similar in design to School Based Health Centers with modifications to accommodate the older student population's needs and services. The project also provides for the design and construction of space for mental health and social services prior to or instead of the development of a comprehensive High School Wellness Center.

Wheaton HSWC was completed in FY16. Seneca Valley HSWC was completed in FY21. Kennedy HSWC construction scheduled to be completed in FY22. Design and construction of interim mental health and social support service space at high schools without a wellness center in operation will begin in FY22. FY23 construction will complete the interim phase of school modifications. FY23 funding will also provide for the planning and design for the next four High School Wellness Center sites, as well as feasibility planning to scope and sequence remaining schools. FY24 provides for the construction of the next four High School Wellness Center sites.

Increased scope of project provides funds to make school modifications for interim services, perform feasibility planning and design, and construction of the next four High School Wellness Center sites.

This project is recommended by the SBWCPG, DHHS, and MCPS. Each HSWC will provide services to address the physical health, mental health, and social service needs, as well as provide youth development opportunities to the students.

FY22 Special Appropriation (Resolution 19-1220) added $750,000 in Current Revenue: General and $1,250,000 in G.O. Bonds to modify school spaces to accommodate the delivery of mental health and youth development services for the school year beginning August 2022.

Department of Health and Human Services , Department of General Services, Montgomery County Public Schools