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LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (WXIX) – Lawrenceburg High School is expanding its mental health resources for the new school year, opening access to support services for its entire student population.
The expansion is centered around the school’s “Safe Room,” a dedicated space designed to provide students with immediate, barrier-free coping resources and trusted adults to talk to.
The space operates under the TLC framework, a specialized program funded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation and backed by the CDC Foundation.
Lawrenceburg is one of only seven sites in the nation selected for the initiative.
“Safe and supportive environments are the first pillar of TLC,” said Amy Rose, administrator and health educator for the Dearborn County Health Department.
“The care is immediate. You don’t have to make an appointment. You don’t have to worry about paying for anything.”
Previously, the mental health program was restricted to students who qualified for Medicaid. This year’s expansion removes those barriers entirely.
“Previously, that program was only offered to students that were on Medicaid,” said Josh Gilb, Lawrenceburg High School’s Director of Guidance.
“[Now] it’s opened up to the rest of our student population, which we’re super excited about.”
The expansion comes in response to local data highlighting a critical need for student support.
A survey of Lawrenceburg students revealed that more than half—53%—reported feeling sad for more than a consecutive month and did not know how to access help.
To address this, the Safe Room hosts a rotating schedule of specialized professionals throughout the school week:
- Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays: A licensed counselor is on-site.
- Tuesdays: A domestic violence advocate is available.
- Wednesdays: A health educator is present.
“I want to put positive adults in front of our kids as much as I can,” Gilb said. “Even if you only connect with one, we helped one today.”
Rose, who works with students on emotional wellness and drug prevention, emphasized that the program’s success relies heavily on building trust.
“Their lack is they don’t have enough trusted adults to talk to,” Rose said. “This is information for you to make good decisions about yourself.”
The TLC program currently operates three safe rooms in the Lawrenceburg area: Lawrenceburg High School, the Community Center on Walnut Street, and the Dearborn County Health Department.
All services are free to local students, regardless of their insurance status.
School leaders are currently working to secure long-term funding to expand the program to neighboring school districts.
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