RCSD and URMC receive community health award for expanding student mental health services and improving care access in underserved school communities across the region

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District and the University of Rochester Medical Center have been recognized for their ongoing partnership aimed at improving student mental health and expanding access to care for children and families in underserved communities. The collaboration was highlighted on Wednesday, May 6, when Dr. Melissa Heatly of URMC received the Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Award. The RCSD was acknowledged as a key partner in the work that led to this recognition.

The award reflects years of joint effort between the two institutions, focused on building stronger, more responsive systems of care within schools. Officials say the partnership has shifted over time from early assessment work into direct action, guided by data and a structured approach to student support services. Over the past five years, this shift has played a major role in reshaping how mental health needs are identified and addressed in the school environment.

The recognition comes exactly one year after both organizations were featured at a statewide conference titled “What’s Great in Our State,” where their collaboration was highlighted as an example of effective school-based health innovation. Since then, leaders say the work has continued to grow, expanding both reach and impact across the district.

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One of the most significant developments has been the expansion of clinical mental health services across schools. The number of RCSD school sites offering on-site mental health services has now tripled, making it easier for students to access support where they already are. This expansion has been described as a major step toward reducing barriers that often prevent young people from receiving timely care.

Another key advancement has been the development of internal expertise within the district. RCSD staff have become nationally certified trainers in Youth Mental Health First Aid and QPR suicide prevention. This means that the district is no longer relying solely on outside specialists, but is instead building its own capacity to train educators and support staff in recognizing and responding to mental health concerns.

The partnership has also introduced a more streamlined referral system. A universal referral process is now used by all mental health partners involved in the program, helping ensure that students are connected to services more quickly and consistently. Educators and staff say this has improved coordination and reduced delays in care.

In addition, professional learning has been strengthened through Project ECHO behavioral health consultations. All elementary schools and several secondary schools now participate in these sessions, which provide real-time guidance to educators dealing with complex student needs. The model allows teachers and support staff to consult with experts and receive immediate feedback, improving responses inside classrooms.

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Dr. Heatly’s leadership has played a central role in shaping and expanding these efforts. According to program leaders, approaches developed through the RCSD-URMC collaboration are now being replicated in nearly 70 school districts and about 300 schools across the region, showing the broader influence of the work beyond Rochester.

Beyond mental health services, the RCSD continues to expand its focus on student wellness in other areas. At the same event where the award was presented, the district’s partnership with the Flaum Eye Institute was also nominated for recognition. This program provides students in underserved communities with free vision care, including eye exams and eyeglasses, helping remove a common barrier to academic success.

Together, these initiatives reflect a wider commitment by the RCSD and its partners to address both physical and mental health needs in schools, with the goal of improving long-term outcomes for students and families across the district.