For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD — Security Health Plan recently announced the recipients of $125,000 in school-based behavioral health grants. The grants provide the Behavioral, Emotional, and Social Traits (b.e.s.t.) universal screening for 72 Wisconsin elementary schools during the 2017-2018 school year.

“Like the vision screenings Wisconsin schools have required since 2001, the b.e.s.t. screening helps educational professionals identify behavioral health and risk factors. It then offers data-based solutions when they can have the greatest impact: while students are young,” said Dr. Eric Hartwig, school psychologist, former administrator of pupil services for the Marathon County Children with Disabilities Education Board, and developer of the b.e.s.t. screening.

Area recipients of the school-based grants include the Loyal School District, Marshfield Clinic Youth Net, School District of Owen-Withee, School District of Stratford, and the Spencer School District.