Students in our region are getting more than academic support as they return to school.

“Several people actually asked me to check on you. Most of them were teachers. She just broke down in tears. ‘ said Jason. Tate, Wellness Center Specialist at CVUSD

Coachella Valley High School uses a wellness center to provide students with a variety of exercises and tools to manage their mental health.

“We think about school, we think about doing well, we think about doing well in the classes that we prepare for college. Is it important?” News Channel 3’s Bianca Ventura asked Tate.

Tate said, “Because we’re not robots, right? We all come to school with rucksacks, but it was actually two rucksacks. It’s all the emotional baggage in life, including being alone.”

Tate uses tools such as sound bowls, aromatherapy, and breathing exercises at CVHS’ wellness center.

“Tearing down some of those walls really helps them open up and start talking about what’s going on,” Tate said.

And the work doesn’t end here. The Wellness Center works with other departments to support students and introduce them to various resources.

“We have substance abuse counselors, and we have real therapists from our Latino board, nurses’ offices, campus safety, all of which play an important role. We are all under one roof on the intervention team,” said Tate. .

Lisette Santiago, Community Engagement Manager at CVUSD. The wellness center said the request was made on behalf of her student and her family.

“But we have seven wellness centers in our school district. This is a huge impact for our students, staff and community,” Santiago said.

Santiago also shares that about 98% of CVUSD’s population is made up of Latino and Hispanic students.

She hopes these wellness centers will help remove the stigma around seeking mental health help.

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