The West Virginia Department of Education is getting a grant to curb gun violence by connecting families, schools and communities to mental health services.
The agency is set to receive the $9.7 million from Project AWARE. West Virginia is one of 120 states and local school districts receiving grants for mental health first aid training.
Officials say the grant is part of a national initiative to support teachers, schools and communities in recognizing and responding to mental health concerns among youth.
Public school systems in Berkeley, McDowell, and Wood counties will serve as the demonstration sites to guide the development of a statewide approach to improve mental health services.
The grant made through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will be administered over five years.