Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) has launched Elevate for Educators, an online platform of mental health resources for any educator in Johnson County. Elevate for Educators is a first of its kind prevention-focused, self-guided, digital mental wellness resource designed specifically for educators and is made available, at no-cost to school districts or teachers, through Johnson County Mental Health Center’s relationship with education technology innovator, EVERFI, Inc.

“Educators play such an important role in our community,” said Johnson County Mental Health Center Community Prevention Coordinator Katherine Melton, who manages the program, “So as a community, it’s important that we’re providing these educators with the support they need to maintain their mental health. This is one of several ways we can say ‘We see you. We’re here for you. You are not alone.’”

Educator mental health is a critical topic that has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic exacerbated stress levels for educators and brought with it a host of new challenges and stressors which won’t disappear when teachers around the country return to the classroom this month.

“We are fortunate to have such a strong partnership with the public and private schools in Johnson County,” said JCMHC Director Tim DeWeese. “The school districts work tirelessly year after year to support the mental wellbeing of the students through programming, education and personal relationships. Now we have the opportunity to support the school districts with this resource at no cost to them.”

Elevate for Educators provides educators with on-demand content related to their unique mental health needs. EVERFI Elevate modules translate evidence-based best practices for mental well-being into actionable, just-in-time learning solutions for any school professional.  

“The impact the pandemic has had on teachers cannot be overstated,” said Jon Chapman, co-founder and president, EVERFI. “Educators serve such a vital role -- often wearing many hats -- and teacher stress was already high pre-pandemic. Research has shown that providing opportunities for teachers to develop self-awareness and self-management skills leads to fewer chances of experiencing burnout or symptoms of depression, and allows for increased job satisfaction and more positive relationships with students.”

JCMHC is proud to offer this resource the community, adding to the portfolio of services and supports to promote mental wellness. JCMHC also provides Johnson County students with Mental Wellness Basics and AlcoholEDU for all public and private schools in Johnson County in partnership with EVERFI, Inc.