DAYTON, Ohio-Access to mental health care for students has improved in Montgomery County over the past five years, but that progress is at risk as federal COVID-19 funding runs out and local budgets are cut. Many schools, including 39 in Montgomery County, have established Hope Squads—peer groups elected to support students in need. Some schools also provide additional mental health support through mandated student training, transition programs for freshmen, and regular check-ins by coaches.
