children's mental health

Ashe County public schools have been closed for weeks due to Helene. Students were invited to take part in an expressive arts program where they could spend time with other kids and learn creative coping skills.

It’s been nearly three weeks since tropical storm Helene hit western North Carolina, flooding homes, washing away roads and upending the rural mountain towns in its path. But throughout this period of upheaval, educators have been working with kids to restore a sense of normalcy — if only for a few hours in the day.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services hosted a mental health town hall in Forsyth County Thursday night. Many attendees raised concerns about the state’s lack of services.

Guilford County Schools will receive $14.8 million from the U.S. Department of Education for school-based mental health services. The funds will go…