AtlantiCare Grant Supports Mental Health at Ocean City Schools

Here's a great example of a South Jersey business and a school system working together to make a better community.

Two Ocean City schools received grant money from AtlantiCare to help and teach about the benefits of staying drug-free.

The cover photo shows several of the 30-member OC Mind Matters Club.

L-R: Emma Saul (junior), Bella DiMercurio (junior), DJ Gilbert (senior), Angelina Montello (counselor), Grace Preston (junior), and Lucia Palombo (sophomore).

Ocean City Schools Receive Grant Money

Ocean City High School and Ocean City Intermediate School were awarded $2,000 in grants through the AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program, to be used toward substance use prevention and education.

With the funds from the Resiliency Innovation Grants, the district will design and print a mental health self-help and substance use prevention booklet that will be distributed to the OCHS community.

The grants will also assist with the ongoing substance use prevention and education initiatives at OCHS and OCIS, including activities, giveaways, and guest speakers.

“We are grateful to be awarded this funding, which will continue our efforts to address students’ well-being,” said Angelina Montello, mental health counselor at OCHS.

“Every student will receive a booklet with resources to support their mental health and prevent substance use. The grants will also help engage students in positive activities to help them thrive and overcome challenges.”

AtlantiCare's 20-year Grant Program

Ocean City School District received the Resiliency Innovation Grants following a Jan. 14 Wellness Grant Workshop at Stockton University.

Since 2005, AtlantiCare has been partnering with area schools to improve the health and wellness of staff, students, and their families, with a vision of building a healthier community.

Last year, the Healthy Schools, Healthy Children program awarded approximately $70,000 in grants to 59 South Jersey schools.