At Holland Public Schools we offer education programs that are Right for Me. However, it is just as important to us that we we support students' mental, physical and social/emotional health. We are Here for You!
Being a student is stressful, but trying to juggle school work and other responsibilities while experiencing mental illness can make it even harder. Approximately one in five youth aged 13–18 live with mental health conditions and approximately 75 percent of people with mental health issues develop them prior to the age of 24. Mental health conditions can feel debilitating and scary, making some learners retreat inward rather than seek help.
If you find you or your student are in need of emergency Mental Health Services
Please use the following additional free community supports available for you as needed:
- Medical or safety emergency: 9-1-1
- 24 hour mental health crisis line: 1-866-512-4357 (Community Mental Health)
- Crisis counselor text line (24/7, national service): text HOME to 741741
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
- Submit tip of criminal activity (OK2SAY): https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say/
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7, for survivors & victims): 1-800-799-7233, or text LOVEIS to 22522
- United Way (all general community resource inquiries): 2-1-1
- Substance Use/Substance Use Disorder recovery support: https://m.facebook.com/groups/388460735141614?view=permalink&id=492835488037471
- Food Resources: https://www.hollandpublicschools.org/our-district/superintendents-office/important-messagesupdates/
- Michigan Unemployment benefits: 1-866-500-0017
Please reach out to your building principal for any additional supports.
Social Emotional Resources
Child Mind Institute
When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. At the Child Mind Institute we want to help you make good decisions for your kids and navigate the challenges of parenting. We explore the concerns and challenges we hear about most from parents and provide expert guidance on how to respond in the most effective way. And if you have a child who needs support, we offer resources that can help you get the best care for that child and the best outcome for your family.
Additional Parent Resources on Common Emotional Health Issues
Articles to Help with Mental Health
- CDC| Information on Anxiety and Depression in Children
- National Institute of Mental Health | Teen Depression
- University of Michigan | 10 Tips to Stay Mentally Healthy
- MentalHealth.gov | Mental Health and Substance Use
- American Psycological Ass. | Resilience Booster-Parent Tip Tool
- Michigan State Universty | Help young children identify and express emotions.
- Trails To Wellness | Sticking to a Schedule
Food Insecurity Resources
The critical role nutrition plays in mental health.
The fuel we use can make all the difference and directly affects the function of your brain and mood. Eating high-quality foods that contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will nourish the brain in a positive way. Similarly, just like an expensive car, your brain can be damaged if you ingest anything other than premium fuel. A diet high in refined sugars can impair brain functions and worsen the mental health symptoms.
VISIT HPS NUTRITION SERVICES
Other Local Food Resources:
Family Resources
American Pediatric Association | Child Abuse Prevention
Ed and Nancy Hanenburg Children's Advocacy Center | Local Children's Advocacy Center |
Resilience | Advocates for Ending Violence
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy, Counseling (Free), Case Management, Groups, Emergency Shelter, 24 Hour Emergency Hotline.
Holland Rescue Mission | Helping individuals overcome homelessness
- Family Shelter, Men's Shelter, Biblical Counseling, Case Management.
Good Samaritan Ministries | Ending Poverty and Homelessness through a healthy and engaged and compassionate community
- Housing, Emergency utility assistance, Circles.
Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates | Provides legal support, Education and Advocacy
- Afforable legal advocacy, Educational services and outreach.
Community Action House |End poverty in our community, and help families prosper
- Food Pantry, Clothing, Shelter, Case Management, Utility Assistance.
Department of Health and Human Services | State support for housing, Food, Cash and Health assistance programs
Community Mental Health | Medicaid based mental Health supports
ArborCircle | Strong Relationships, Resilient People
- Mental Health Counseling, Substance use treatment, family/individual counseling.
Midtown Counseling Services | Is the home for Hope and Encouragement in the City of Holland
- Providing Free in school counseling services, tele-health, and in office counseling services.
Moasic Counseling | Connecting you to hope and healing
- Provides sliding scale counseling fees for any family income, works with all families eliminating all barriers to counseling.
A list of Counseling practices participating in tele-health therapy and accepting new clients.
Local Health Resources
Click this link for a comprehensive list of local health resources:
- Medical Care
- Education and Counseling
- Suicide Prevention
- Substance Abuse
- Food
- Dental
- Health Care Coverage
- Prescriptions
- Vision Services
- Medicine Disposal
- Hospital Bills
School Nurses
Community in Schools | Student Support Coordinator
Nurse Notes - November
It's Flu Season and the Holland Hospital School Nurses have some important notes on the Flu.
Food Insecurity During the Government Shutdown
The health and well-being of HPS students & families is our highest priority.
During this government shutdown we know that many HPS families could experience food insecurity; especially those that rely on SNAP benefits. If your family is experiencing food insecurity during this government shutdown, HPS is here to help.
HPSPodcast 6.12
Holland Public Schools and the BeNice organization will host Thrive Together on Thursday evening at Holland Middle School. This is a night focused on mental health for students and their families. On the HPSPodcast his week, we talk with Holland Hospital School Nurse Program Mental Health Care Manager Lisa Gort about the district's focus on helping students Thrive and on this important event.
Thrive Together will be held Thursday, October 6, 5:30-7pm at Holland Middle School.
Nurse Notes - October
Halloween Safety - Kids love the magic of Halloween, but costume and traffic safety are essential for trick-or-treaters. Here are some tips to keep everyone safe.
Nurse Notes
Check out the monthly newsletter from the Holland Hospital School Nurses!
- A recap of the 12th annual School Nurse Fun Run!
2025 School Nurse Fun Run
Holland Hospital invites all students, families, friends and faculty to join us for the annual School Nurse Fun Run on Thursday, September 11 at Holland High School.
HPSPodcast 5.38
This week we talk with Candis Deboer about Period Project 49423.
Nurse Notes - May
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and your school nurses want to promote positive mental health for our HPS family.
Nurse Notes -March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on healthy eating habits that support growing minds and active bodies! Balanced nutrition is essential for your child’s energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Here are some tips and ideas to help your family make healthy choices this month and beyond.