Bay District Schools - Hurricane Michael Consulting

Hurricane Michael was a devastating Category 5 hurricane that struck the Florida Panhandle on October 10, 2018.  Bay County was one of the hardest hit areas, with 100% of public housing destroyed and 68% of all residential homes suffering catastrophic damage within the eyewall.  Eight months later, Bay District Schools’ homeless student population remained 650% higher than before the storm, equaling 20% of the district’s entire student body.  

Bay District Schools (BDS) contracted with 7-Dippity to provide consulting services in order to assist with the monumental mental health challenges brought on by the storm and its aftermath. As part of the scope of services, 7-Dippity conducted assessments of students, staff and community service providers; helped BDS develop an effective long-term mental health recovery plan; implemented a comprehensive professional development plan (for educators, administrators and Student Support Services staff); and identified and coordinated resources and supports.  7-Dippity also provided grant-writing services which resulted in over $5 million in funding for mental and behavioral health services post-storm. Moreover, 7-Dippity brought in and coordinated a team of partners to help the school district and surrounding communities address the post-storm mental health crises, including the University of Miami, Medical University of South Carolina, Yale University, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, and UNICEF. Efforts to support the school district and surrounding communities continued during the COVD-19 Pandemic and beyond, as multiple traumatic events impacted the area.