Pacific Clinics’ School-Based Intervention Team (SBIT) has been honored with the Bold Steps for Children Award by Kids in Common at the Santa Clara County Children’s Summit. This accolade recognizes SBIT’s outstanding contributions to developing and operating wellness centers in the county.
Senator Jim Beall presented the award, acknowledging Pacific Clinics’ SBIT model for its behavioral health, social services, family support services and wellness programming. These services provide safe and supportive environments on school campuses where students can visit and de-stress.
“Pacific Clinics is honored to receive this award,” says Jacquelyn H. Torres, vice president of emerging and statewide services who oversees the newly awarded team. “This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the SBIT team, the school district and the County Office of Education to support and advance student mental health and wellness programs in schools and the community.”
The need for SBIT’s services continues to be critical as youth with mental health needs have increased since the onset of the pandemic, especially youth of color and those from the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. In 2021, more than one-third of high school students experienced poor mental health, and nearly half of students felt persistently sad or hopeless.
Integrating social-emotional learning and behavioral health into schools significantly reduces the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment while supporting improved academic performance and attendance, reduced school disciplinary action, referrals into the justice system and drop-out rates.
Statewide, Pacific Clinics operates wellness centers in 500 schools in 40 school districts. These centers offer transformative programming to support children’s and youth’s social-emotional well-being.
Pacific Clinics is honored to be one of seven agencies to earn recognition for our deep work with students. Other honorees included the ArtHouse Studio, Art of Yoga, Feet First Foundation, Sound Solution, The Body Project and The City Peace Project.
Learn more about SBIT’s impactful services.
