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September 21, 2026
FOND DU LAC – SSM Health has donated $5,000 to the Fondy CARES school-based mental health program.
Per fonddulac.k12.wi.us, Fondy CARES was established in 2018 to partner with community mental health agencies to provide licensed, evidence-based therapy services directly within schools during the school day for students in grades 4K-12.
Vickie Flatt of Fondy CARES said gifts such as SSM Health’s allow the program to remove barriers such as cost, transportation challenges, scheduling difficulties and stigma that often prevent children and families from receiving timely mental health support.
Shane Smith, SSM Health Fond du Lac Market president, said the funding will support a portion of a 15-session evidence-based counseling model for up to 20 underinsured and uninsured students during the 2026-27 school year – provided at no out-of-pocket cost to participating families, helping increase access to mental health care throughout all 14 schools in the Fond du Lac School District.
“Students are experiencing increasingly complex mental health challenges, and timely access to care can make a significant difference in their well-being, academic success and future health,” Smith said. “Through partnerships like Fondy CARES, we are helping ensure students and families can access the support they need, regardless of financial circumstances.”
Since its inception, Flatt said Fondy CARES has enrolled 2,277 students and provided 27,814 school-based counseling sessions – saving an estimated 20,860 community hours by reducing the need for parents and caregivers to travel to appointments or leave work.
“This investment will help us continue removing barriers to care and connecting students with the behavioral health services they need to thrive,” she said. “Providing support within schools allows students to access care in a familiar environment while staying engaged in learning and connected to their support systems.”
Flatt and Smith said Fondy CARES aligns with SSM Health’s commitment to improving access to behavioral health services, advancing health equity and supporting community well-being through early intervention and prevention.
