Minnesota and Dakotas to train hundreds of mental health professionals via funds provided by federal bipartisan legislation

(Washington, DC) -- With the passage of The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, hundreds of mental health professionals will be trained and placed in schools across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota via millions of dollars distributed via the legislation. 

North Dakota will receive four monetary awards as a part of the legislation. The largest goes to West Fargo Public Schools, who are receiving $2.3 million. Dickinson Public Schools, Minot State University, and the University of Mary will also be getting funds to fund educational programs to train mental health professionals, totaling up to nearly $5 million across the four institutions. The U.S Department of Education estimates 159 mental health professionals will be trained and working in schools across the state due to this legislation.

South Dakota is expected to see 114 mental health professionals in schools due to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and Minnesota is expected to receive 110.

"I'm so excited for the awards coming to North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and across the country, "said Dr. Mary Wall, A Deputy Assistant Secretary for preschool through twelfth-grade education for the U.S Department of Education. "I think that hundreds more of mental health professionals in schools in those three states will really be game-changing."

 You can find more information about the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, and its impacts across the United States, by clicking here.