Sunday, December 21, 2025–1:43 p.m.
-News Release-
Atrium Health Floyd, with funding from the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation, is investing $430,000 to develop school-based mental health services, reaffirming its commitment to improving mental health resources for area students. The funds will be used to implement programs to increase students’ access to timely, high-quality mental health care, addressing critical behavioral health needs such as anxiety, depression, stress and overall well-being.
Earlier this year, the Georgia Department of Education provided grants to regional school systems to offer school-based teletherapy services. The Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation funds will be used to extend the reach of those services, allowing Atrium Health Floyd to provide virtual mental health care for middle school and high school students during school hours. Parents and guardians can participate in their students’ care without leaving work.
“Our mission is to champion work that truly transforms lives,” said Dan Bevels, Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation president. “Expanding access to mental health services for students is exactly that. This effort isn’t just changing lives — it has the potential to save lives.”
Beginning in January 2026, Atrium Health Floyd will expand services to middle and high school students in Rome City Schools, Walker County Schools and Chattooga County Schools through Atrium Health’s School-based Virtual Therapy Program. Additional partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as conversations with more school systems continue. The program operates in 17 counties across Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, impacting more than 250 schools and nearly 200,000 students.
“We are thankful to Atrium Health Floyd for their commitment to supporting the mental health of our students,” said Dr. Eric L. Holland, superintendent of Rome City Schools. “Our mission is to provide every child with a world-class education, and that begins with ensuring they are healthy and supported. This agreement will give our students important resources that will help them grow, learn and thrive.”
“We are excited to partner with Atrium Health Floyd to expand access to high-quality mental health services for all students in our school community,” said Dr. Michelle Helie, superintendent of Chattooga County Schools. “This collaboration supports our commitment to ensuring every student receives the best counseling, care and resources possible.”
According to a 2024 report by Mental Health America, 13% of Georgia youth between the ages of 12 and 17 had major thoughts of suicide in 2024, 17% experienced a major depressive episode and more than 9% reported having a substance abuse disorder. Less than half of the students reporting a major depressive episode received treatment.
As the Official Health Care Partner of local schools, colleges, and universities, Atrium Health Floyd has invested more than $7 million in school health programs, including school nurses, certified athletic trainers, telehealth services at 47 school sites, and a full-service school-based clinic at Rome High School College and Career Academy.
