Harding High School in Bridgeport. The city's schools hosted the state's first mental health program to focus on trauma. Jacqueline Rabe Thomas / CTMirror.org file photo

The U.S. Department of Education announced it will distribute $188 million across 30 states to help school districts support students’ mental health.

Connecticut is expected to receive a share of nearly $1.55 million, all of which will go to EdAdvance, a Litchfield-based organization.

“Following countless conversations with Connecticut parents, educators, and district leaders, as Chair of the subcommittee that funds the Department of Education, I created the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant program to help districts increase the number of qualified, well-trained mental health professionals working in schools,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who also serves as a ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee.

DeLauro said disruption in schools due to COVID-19, economic anxiety, job losses, and learning challenges have exacerbated pre-existing mental health challenges.

“Our youth need help, and this is a burden that teachers, administrators, and parents cannot alleviate on their own,” she said.

[RELATED: Legislators expected to focus on children’s mental health]

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Jessika Harkay is CT Mirror’s Education Reporter, covering the K-12 achievement gap, education funding, curriculum, mental health, school safety, inequity and other education topics. Jessika's experience includes roles as a breaking news reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Hartford Courant. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Baylor University.