Springdale Schools Executive Director of Student Services Damon Donnell was honored with the 2025 Community Service Award in recognition of his work and dedication to facilitating behavioral health supports for Springdale families.
“It’s an incredible honor,” Donnell said. “It's something that I'm super passionate about, ensuring all students, staff and family members have access to needed mental health care.”
Donnell received the award from Arisa Health in partnership with the Arkansas Council for Behavioral Health on Aug. 27 at the annual Behavioral Health Institute in Hot Springs, said Erin Goodwin, Arisa Health counselor.
Dr. Laura Heller with Arisa Health nominated Donnell for the award, noting Arisa Health and Springdale Schools have collaborated for more than 25 years to provide enhanced services, supports and access to critical needs to district staff and families.
Donnell is a key partner in providing such support to the district, she said.
“In the 2024-2025 school year, we were able to serve 1,689 Springdale students on their school campus through our School Based program and 19 Springdale students in our Therapeutic Day Treatment program thanks to our work together,” Heller said. “Mr. Donnell focuses on allowing all students to have access to the supports they need to be successful.”
Donnell is dedicated to identifying individual barriers or challenges, reaching out to problem-solve and following up to implement solutions that will have positive outcomes for all involved, she said.
“I don't let any barrier get in the way,” Donnell said. “If a family can't afford it, then we find a way to pay for it.”
Donnell has supported district behavioral health care growth by helping to expand services, partnering on new programming and providing access to behavioral health training and education to school district personnel, Heller said.
“We are incredibly grateful for our work together to transform communities one life at a time,” she said.
Families and staff in need of behavioral health support may contact their school’s social worker or counselor.