Funding to be provided over three years will help Rhode Island Student Assistance Services respond to unprecedented youth mental health needs 

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Sept. 27, 2023) — Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) has pledged to contribute $1.06 million over the next three years to Rhode Island Student Assistance Services (RISAS) to support its school-based substance abuse prevention and mental health program, Project SUCCESS.

The funding addresses unprecedented demand for youth mental health services and bolsters financing for an evidence-based program that is now operating inside 80 middle and high schools across Rhode Island. Since RISAS established Project SUCCESS in 1987, access to this free program has grown to 53,000 students in 33 school districts.

“As Rhode Island’s largest health insurer, we at Blue Cross are committed to doing everything we can now to help address a crisis that is impacting youth in communities across our state," said BCBSRI President and CEO Martha L. Wofford. “Project SUCCESS has a long and impressive track record of working with schools to get teens the help they need early and before their emotional challenges develop into serious mental health problems. The aim of our three-year contribution is to provide reliable, predictable funding for this program to support our schools in effectively responding to the mental health needs of Rhode Island youth." 

Project SUCCESS (Schools Using Coordinated Community Efforts to Strengthen Students) works by embedding a specially trained student assistance counselor in each school to provide students with easy access to services. This approach allows for early identification and intervention for alcohol and other drug use-related risk factors, such as drinking at an early age, poor academic performance, tardiness, absenteeism, and other behavior problems. 

Counselors are certified and hold master’s degrees in psychology, social work, or a related field. Students can seek the help of a counselor or be referred by teachers, administrators, parents, or classmates. The program is recognized by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and receives grant funding secured by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. 

“School district budgets are stretched and the pandemic aid they received to help fund these services was only temporary," said Sarah Dinklage, CEO of Rhode Island Student Assistance Services.  “A more permanent solution is needed, but in the meantime this large investment from Blue Cross—and spanning several years—will provide predictable funding to RISAS to help schools continue to support services for youth substance use and mental health at a time when the need for these services could not be greater."

Project SUCCESS counselors provide these and other services:

• A drug and alcohol prevention series for students
• Confidential assessments
• Individual and group counseling
• Referrals to substance abuse and mental health agencies
• Training for school personnel

BCBSRI is working comprehensively to address youth mental health challenges in Rhode Island, including collaborating with healthcare providers to streamline and expand access to behavioral health services and partnering with community organizations whose services address social factors that impact wellness. BCBSRI has also just made available a new a parent’s guide to mental healthcare in Rhode Island, “Finding Help for Kids and Teens."

For more information on BCBSRI mental health services and programs, visit www.bcbsri.com/employee/member/mentalhealth.