UHS Brings Mental Health Resources to Binghamton Schools

Presentations at Rotary Club highlight programs at Benjamin Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt elementary schools.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Representatives from UHS, a local healthcare provider, presented their mental health programs at the Binghamton Noon Rotary Club. The programs focus on supporting students and families at two elementary schools, Benjamin Franklin and Theodore Roosevelt, by providing on-site services and resources to end the stigma around mental health.

Why it matters

Addressing mental health challenges early on in a student's education can have a significant impact, helping them develop coping mechanisms and access support. UHS's initiatives bring these critical services directly to the school community, reducing barriers to care.

The details

UHS's programs include a Mental Health Fair at Benjamin Franklin Elementary on May 7th, which will spread awareness of local resources and provide a full-service dinner for families. The team at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary is also working to prepare students for the school's upcoming two-year closure. UHS clinical social worker Jessica Blakeslee says the goal is to offer services on-site so parents don't have to miss work for their children's mental health appointments.

  • The Benjamin Franklin Mental Health Fair is scheduled for May 7th.
  • Theodore Roosevelt Elementary is preparing students for a two-year school closure.

The players

UHS

A local healthcare provider offering mental health programs and resources to Binghamton schools.

Jessica Blakeslee

A UHS clinical social worker at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.

Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

One of the two Binghamton schools partnering with UHS on mental health initiatives.

Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School

The second Binghamton school working with UHS to support student mental health during an upcoming two-year closure.

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What they’re saying

“We try to provide a service so that they don't need to go to a doctor's office. They can have it right there in the school and prevent the parents from having to leave work to take their children to their mental health appointments.”

— Jessica Blakeslee, UHS Clinical Social Worker at Benjamin Franklin Elementary

The takeaway

UHS's mental health initiatives in Binghamton schools demonstrate a proactive approach to supporting student wellbeing by bringing resources directly to the school community. These efforts aim to reduce barriers to care and destigmatize conversations around mental health.