When counselors are in short supply, students step in to help
About an hour from the U.S.-Mexico border, in St. David, Arizona, something new is growing in the desert: hope.
Mental health has been a focus for this town of fewer than 2,000. Melanie Larson, the nurse for the St. David Unified School District, says many students experience anxiety and depression. Two counselors support them, but each comes in only once a week. The rest of the time, Ms. Larson serves as both nurse and counselor to a student body of about 420.
A few years ago, after two St. David adults – one a recent high school graduate – died by suicide in close succession, the district enlisted the help of
Learning to step inBreaking stigmasPersistent challenges