Supporting Brain Health

A safe space to prioritize Brain Health needs for students. Students will be supported in building specific skills and coping strategies to get them regulated and back to class. This room isn’t for students to avoid classes. It is meant for quick breaks to reset and regulate feelings and emotions.

While in the room, students will work on strategies to assist in social-emotional regulation such as breathing techniques, grounding techniques, problem-solving skills, meditation or maybe just a quiet space to gather thoughts.

Research has revealed access to brain health resources as one of Dubuque’s most critical challenges, and national studies amplify the need to address children’s brain health, specifically. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 80% of U.S. students report feeling stressed sometimes or often, while 34% say they experience depression. Furthermore, a recent article in Edweek states that 35% of 14- to 18-year-olds experience a brain health crisis each year.

Emma O'Donnell is Wahlert’s Brain Health Liaison. She is prepared to offer students a safe, comfortable place to practice self-regulation strategies while also encouraging Christian contemplation and a spirit of gratitude. The Brain Health Retreat Room does not provide therapy nor does it take the place of a therapist.

If in-class intervention isn’t working or a student isn’t able to regulate while in the classroom, there are three different ways a student can be referred down.

1. Teacher can refer
2. Student can self-refer
3. School Counselors can refer

In all of the above-listed situations, the students will take a green lanyard from the class they are in or to which they are going that will communicate that they will go to the Brain Health Retreat Room. They will scan their ID when they arrive in the BHRR and before they leave.

The BHRR is in the lower level of Wahlert Catholic High School at the bottom of the central staircase (right below the board room). If you have questions, you can also email Emma O'Donnell at eodonnell@holyfamilydbq.org. 

Students will be able to access the room during school hours.

PROCEDURES FOR ACCESSING THE BHRR

1. Start with in-class strategies
2. Students can be referred one of three ways:
   1. Teacher or Staff can refer
   2. Student can self-refer
   3. School Counselor can refer
3. Once regulated, student returns to class with a pass 4.
4. Student may be referred to the School Counseling Office

BHRR can be reached via email eodonnell@holyfamilydbq.org or Wahlert extension 2241.