Page 55 - Wellness Program 2022

STUDENTS
Physical Education
& Physical Activity
Nutrition Services
Environment &
Counseling, Psychological & Social Services EMPLOYEES Engagement COORDINATING POLICY, PROCESS, AND PRACTICE Counseling, Social Services Social & Emotional & FAMILIES
Community
Involvement
Psychological
Family
HEALTHY SAFE
CHALLENGED SUPPORTED ENGAGED
Physical
Environment
Employee IMPROVING LEARNING AND HEALTH Health Climate
Wellness Education
Health
Services
COMMUNITY
The pilot program was essential in the development of the BHT program which included teams from the District’s
Choice and Career Options and Behavioral and Mental Health Departments, the Education Foundation of Palm
Beach County, the Quantum Foundation, BeWellPBC, the Palm Beach County Youth Services Department,
the CareerSource Palm Beach County, the United Way of Palm Beach County, and several other community
partners.
The new BHT state-approved course is designed for high school medical sciences academies where juniors
and seniors can choose to take the specialized curriculum once they have completed their general medical
prerequisites. The course provides an integrated cross-trained foundation and practical experience in
behavioral and social sciences with content including basic psychopharmacology, patient teaching and
education, diseases and disorders, suicide prevention, and much more. What makes the rigorous curriculum
unique is the inclusion of societal issues affecting behavioral health that can be customized to a school’s
surrounding environment.
“Students learn about diseases and disorders, and they also learn about social impacts, including the opioid crisis,
human trafficking, and trauma resiliency,” said Dr. Benavente. “Schools and teachers can tailor the curriculum to
their students, communities, and those who need help locally.”

Overlaying the comprehensive curriculum is health equity, prevention, and teaching students about their own
self-care, an important component given high burnout in the field. “We’re teaching students how to promote
others’ mental wellness and their own,” Dr. Benavente affirmed.

The curriculum was designed to provide the learning and experience necessary to pass the Behavioral Health
Technician Certification by the Florida Certification Board. Before graduating high school, students will have
completed the coursework, taken the certification exam, and begun working toward the required field hours
for the full certification. A provisional certification upon graduating will be granted so that students can work
in an entry level position immediately. They will receive the full Behavioral Health Technician certification once
they are 18 years old and complete their field hours. This program will be offered at various medical sciences
academies throughout The School District of Palm Beach County. The innovative Behavioral Health Technician
program will positively impact our communities and the healthcare system for many years to come.

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