In early childhood, 1 in 6 children are diagnosed with mental health problems. National, regional and local health systems and policy drivers are working with education and mental health leaders in SC to provide new strategies to school mental health provision. This session will discuss recent activities and policy recommendations.

About Margaret Meriwether

Margaret Meriwether is the Director of School Mental Health at the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. Previously with the UofSC and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Margaret has a doctorate in psychology and spends her free time gardening and reading.

About Lee Fletcher, MDiv, LMSW

Lee Fletcher began his career in child-wellbeing working with adolescents in an ecumenical setting. More recently he has served in leadership roles developing behavioral health programs and coalitions. He is currently the Program Coordinator for School Mental Health at SCDMH focusing on the Engaging and Training with Compassion project.

Robert Stevens

Bob Stevens has 40 years of experience in education as an educator and administrator. His current initiatives include serving on several statewide and regional committees and advisory boards, presenting on PBIS and school mental health at regional and national conferences, and writing articles and book chapters on school behavioral health.