Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and community partners on Friday will announce the expansion of district mental health and social emotional supports for students.

Through the mental health and wellness initiative, hundreds of HISD students at 15 campuses will have direct access to school administrators trained in trauma, crisis, abuse, and suicide prevention. This initiative is part of Dr. Lathan’s strategic priorities for the 2019-2020 school year to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of students.

Schools participating in the initiative include Dogan, Hartsfield, and Rucker elementary schools; Attucks, Fleming, Holland, M.C. Williams, Sugar Grove, and Thomas middle schools; Liberty, Madison, Washington, Westside, Wisdom, and Yates high schools.

Community partners in the initiative include LyondellBasell, Sewa International, WE, CapCityKids, the University of Houston, and The Menninger Clinic.

Following a news conference at Houston Education Learning Center (10725 Mesa Dr., 77078), nearly 300 HISD students will participate in a Mental Health Youth Summit sponsored by LyondellBasell and hosted by WE.

HISD and WE are partnering to deliver the WE Well-being program, in which students will receive tools and resources to support others at their respective campuses. Attendees will engage in activities, workshops, and conversations about promoting mental health and wellness in schools, families, and communities.