Prosper - Celina Edition | January 2025

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Prosper Celina Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 5 FEB. 1MARCH 4, 2025

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

Prioritizing student health School districts increase access to hospital counselors through virtual visits

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

With a more than 80% increase of children exhibiting signs of depression or anxiety in some schools since 2019, school districts and local hospital systems are working to address students’ needs. One way is increas- ing access to care through a school-based telehealth program. Students displaying stress or anxiety have increased the last few years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, said Alexis Webb, PISD’s executive director of guidance and counseling. Behavioral health is a person’s mental, emo- tional and social well-being. It covers a range of issues such as ADHD, anxiety and depression. “Our students’ mental and emotional health directly aects how well they can learn and grow in school,” Webb said.

CONTINUED ON 21

Children’s Health, which has a location in Prosper, oers school-based telehealth programs in many schools, including those in Prosper ISD.

COURTESY CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Also in this issue

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Impacts

Prosper

services, including managing periodontal diseases, also known as gum diseases, and tooth implants. Other services include gum grafts, wisdom teeth extractions, oral cancer screenings and more, according to the Prosper Periodontics & Dental Implants website. • Opened October 2024 • 2300 E. Prosper Trail, Ste. 20, Prosper • www.prosperperiotx.com

1385

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E. PROSPER TRL.

Prosper

Coming soon

COUNTY RD.

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3 SongBird Pediatric Therapy The pediatric office offers speech therapy, language therapy and feeding therapy. It currently services Prosper, Celina, McKinney, Plano, Little Elm, Aubrey and the surrounding communities out of a child-friendly office in the owner’s home in Frisco, according to the company’s website. • Opening in February

TAYLOR BURK DR.

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PGA PKWY.

• 250 S. Preston Road, Ste. 20, Prosper • www.songbirdpediatrictherapy.com

school can be made through its website. • Opened Oct. 14 • 920 Legacy Drive, Prosper • www.wondersmontessori.com

Now open

In the news

1 Little Wonders Montessori The school offers programs for pre-toddler children aged 12-18 months, toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years as well as an early-childhood program for children aged 3-6 years. Enrollment is open and inquiries into the

4 The Refinery Detail Supply House The name change from Detailing World in Prosper marks a milestone for the family-owned and operated

2 Prosper Periodontics & Dental Implants The dental clinic offers a wide range of oral health

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BY SAMANTHA DOUTY, HANNAH JOHNSON & ALEX REECE

business, which is now independently owned, according to a Jan. 1 news release. The business was started by Joe and Helena Dreyer along with Erin and Jon Beatty and opened in February 2024. • 711 Industry Way, Ste. 35, Prosper • www.refineryds.com

Now open

Coming soon

Closings

5 Eddie’s Napolis The restaurant, which has locations in Garland and Frisco, serves a wide selection of dishes including individual pizzas, baked ziti, lobster ravioli, veal parmesan and more. Other menu offerings include cannolis, calamari, grilled chicken and meatball parmesan. • Closed Jan. 2 • 1450 N. Preston Road, Ste. 10, Prosper • www.napolisfrisco.com 6 Shape The business first opened in Prosper in January 2024. It offered members personalized, private workouts using electric muscle stimulation to tone and burn calories as well as body sculpting, cellulite removal and skin- tightening treatments, according to its website. • Closed as of Dec. 17 • 291 S. Preston Road, Ste. 1030, Prosper • www.shapehealthwellness.com

7 The Tavern on Broadway The restaurant offers a full bar with cocktail, spirits, beer and wine, according to its website. Menu items include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads and more. The space itself has pool tables, a jukebox, multiple television screens and more. • Grand opening Jan. 30 • 350 W. Broadway, Ste. 60, Prosper • www.thetavernprosper.com

8 Costco Wholesale Located along US 380 in Prosper, the new Costco location will also feature a fuel station, according to documents filed with the state. Prosper Town Council members in December approved three improvement projects related to the new Costco, including deceleration lanes and driveway construction, totaling roughly $1 million for the roads leading to the warehouse. • Opening March 3 • 5620 US 380, Prosper • www.costco.com

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Impacts

Celina

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY, HANNAH JOHNSON & ALEX REECE

4 Smitty’s Car Wash The car wash offers a single-wash option as well as multiple monthly membership plans. • Opened Nov. 9

Now open

1 Green Meadows Montessori Academy Located in the Green Meadows neighborhood, the academy has programs for pre-toddlers, toddlers and primary children ages 3 to 6. • Opened Jan. 6 • 5570 Martin Drive, Celina • https://thegreenmeadowsmontessori.com 2 Mangiamo Market Deli & Pizzeria The restaurant is family owned and led by a father- son duo Robert and Jason Algiere. Mangiamo features Italian cuisine, deli selections and a marketplace. • Opened Jan. 24 • 203 W. Pecan St., Celina • www.mangiamocelina.com 3 SG Workspace The company offers common room workspaces, private office suites and meeting rooms. The rooms are fully furnished and can either be leased out through a monthly membership or rented by the hour depending on the type of room, according to SG Workspace’s website. • Opened Nov. 1 2478

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• 1300 S. Preston Road, Celina • www.smittyscarwash.com

Coming soon

W. PECAN ST.

5 Costco Wholesale Developers are hoping to open the new store “by the end of next year,” SHOP Companies partner Jack Weir said Dec. 26. • Opening late 2025 • Located on the corner of Ownsby Parkway and Preston Road, Celina • www.costco.com 6 Home Depot The department store offers home improvement items. It supplies appliances, bath, kitchen, tools, hardware, storage and more. • Opening fall 2026 • Located on the northwest corner of Ownsby Parkway and Preston Road • www.homedepot.com

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Government

BY ALEX REECE

Prosper breaks ground on Fire Station 4

Prosper fire stations

1 Prosper Central Fire Station and Administration 2 Prosper Fire Station 2

3 Prosper Fire Station 3 4 Fire Station 4 approximate location

Construction to bring Prosper its fourth fire station is underway. Members of the Prosper Fire Department, Town Council and dozens of other guests gathered Jan. 15 for a groundbreaking ceremony at what will become Fire Station No. 4. The new station, expected to open at its 3980 E. Prosper Trail site in summer 2026, will be the town’s first fire facility on the east side of Coit Road. It is also projected to be Prosper’s sec- ond-to-last fire station before the town reaches buildout. “As we turn the soil today, we’re not just break- ing ground on a building, we’re actually laying the foundation for a safer, stronger, Prosper,” Mayor David Bristol said. The breakdown Fire Station No. 4 is a 12,000-square-foot facility that will feature five fire engine bays and accommodations for its firefighters once it opens.

“In the coming years, we plan to expand the services to enable this company, ensuring that we keep pace with our community’s rapid growth,” Fire Chief Stuart Blasingame said. Zooming out Town officials had been telling residents they would build a fire station in the area since 2010, Bristol said. The Fire Station No. 4 site itself was purchased almost 15 years ago, Blasingame said. Until the new station opens, the closest fire station to everything east of Coit Road is Station No. 3, Bristol said. “To get to the northeast corner of Prosper [from Fire Station No. 3] is about 12 to 13 min- utes,” Bristol said. “That added time, it can make the difference in life or death or someone who’s in distress.” For many residents living in the northeast area of the town, which features many of Prosper’s original homes, Fire Station No. 4 will bring first

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responders around six minutes closer, Blasin- game said. “In the coming years, we plan to expand the services to enable this company, ensuring that we keep pace with our community’s rapid growth,” Blasingame said.

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Government

Prosper library plan shows need for space Prosper Town Council members reviewed the library’s master plan, a multi-volume document assessing the Prosper Community Library’s current and future needs, during a Jan. 15 meeting. No action was taken. The breakdown The master plan took a holistic look at the library’s offerings, spacing needs, community engagement and more. At just under 10,000 square feet, the library is one of the smallest in the state for a community of Prosper’s size, Library Services Director Gary Landeck said. The master plan did include two suggestions for the library, both of which would need resident-ap- proved bond funding and involve building a space that would more than quadruple the facility’s existing size.

Celina residents may see several charter amendments on the May ballot. Celina City Council members reviewed the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations during a Jan. 14 meeting. No action was taken on the work session item. The details The recommendations for charter amend- ments from the commission includes: • Term limits: implement a three-term limit for mayor and council members for a total of 18 years. • Mayor’s role and authority: make the mayor a part of the City Council. • City manager hiring decisions: remove the requirement for City Council concurrence in hiring department heads. Celina reviews term limits, mayoral power

Library square footage per capita

Prosper Community Library

Anna Community Library

Celina Public Library*

Coppell Cozby Library

Flower Mound Public Library

Frisco Public Library

Keller Public Library

Little Elm Public Library

McKinney Public Library

Southlake Public Library

State average City library with a population of 25,001-50,000 City library with a population of 51,001-100,000

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2

SOURCES: 720 DESIGN, TOWN OF PROSPER/COMMUNITY IMPACT *USING THE PROJECTED SIZE OF CELINA'S UNDER-CONSTRUCTION LIBRARY

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Celina adds to license plate camera network Celina will see Flock Camera system added to the city to enhance its public safety. The details Celina City Council unanimously approved the purchase of Flock cameras for the city during a Dec. 10 meeting. The purchase includes $41,100 for a two-year estimated total and about $18,000 annually after. The Flock camera is a system based on automated license plate readers. Its primary purpose will be used as a tool for patrol and criminal investigations. Flock cameras assist in the detection of vehicles or people traveling through the city. The system will alert officials if the vehicle has a license plate entered into the National Crime Index Computer or Automated License Plate Reader hotlist.

Filing begins for Celina, Prosper municipalities Residents will see races for seats on Celina City Council, Celina ISD board of trustees, Prosper Town Council and Prosper ISD board of trustees on the May ballot. Filing for the May 3 general election officially began Jan. 15 and will end Feb. 14. What’s happening Two Celina City Council seats and two seats on the Celina ISD board of trustees are up for election. The council seats that will be on the ballot are for Place 1 and 6, which are currently held by Philip Ferguson and Brandon Grumbles, respectively. Celina’s council members are elected at-large for three-year terms. The two CISD seats up for election are Place 1 and 2, which are currently held by Chuck Hansen and Dan Williams, respectively. Board members are elected at-large by the citizens in CISD for

Dates you need to know

Jan. 15 A Feb. 14 A April 3 A April 22-29 A May 3 A

Filing period opens Filing period ends last day to register to vote

Early voting Election day

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE/COMMUNITY IMPACT

three-year, staggered terms. There are three seats up for election in the Town of Prosper including mayor, Place 1 and Place 4. The positions are currently held by David F. Bristol, Marcus E. Ray and Chris Kern, respec- tively. The mayor and council members are elected at-large for three-year terms. PISD has three seats up for election—Place 1, 3 and 6. The seats are currently held by Jorden Dial, Kelly Cavender and Garrett Linker, respectively. Trustees are elected at-large for three-year terms.

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Government

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY

Celina officials OK incentive agreement for future Home Depot

Looking ahead

The Home Depot will be located on the northwest corner of Ownsby Parkway and Preston Road adjacent to the Costco currently under construction. More details on the project will be made available as the project progresses.

Celina City Council approved a Chapter 380 agreement with Home Depot during a special called meeting Dec. 19. The agreement accounts for a $1.4 million sales tax grant over 10 years that will be split between the city and the Celina Economic Development Corporation. The city is expected to see a return on the investment in five years. The facility is planned to total 105,000 square feet. The company will be required to obtain a certificate of occupancy by July 31, 2026 and must be operating by Aug. 31, 2026. As a large, sales-tax-producing business, the new Home Depot location will generate substantial revenue to support the City’s infrastructure and public services, according to a Jan. 15 city news release.

The city and economic development corporation will split the sales tax grant, which will be totaled $1.4 million over the next 10 years.

CEDC portion: $559,000

Total: $1,397,500

SOURCE: CITY OF CELINA/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

City portion: $838,500

CARTER RANCH RD.

“Home Depot’s investment reflects the confidence businesses have in Celina as a vibrant, thriving city,” Celina Mayor Ryan Tubbs said in the Jan. 15 release.

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Education

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

PISD names 2 buildings after Drew Watkins, former Superintendent Middle School No. 7 will be named Kristen and Dr. Drew Watkins Elementary School. The dis- trict’s new administration building will be named the Dr. Drew Watkins Administration Building. The campus names were announced during a

McKinney ISD enrolls out-of-district kids The Choose McKinney ISD program was approved by the district’s board of trustees Jan. 21. The program allows kindergarten through eighth grade students living in Prosper or Celina who do not live within McKinney ISD’s boundaries to apply for

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There are several reasons the district is launching Choose McKinney ISD, said Melanie Raleeh, deputy superintendent of school leadership. The program will help retain and attract students, provide flexibility for parents and ensure financial stability for the district, according to the presentation. Schools across the district have open seats which can be filled through the program.

Looking ahead Watkins Elementary School is expected to open in the 2026-27 school year. The administration building was part of PISD’s 2023 bond program, which was approved by voters in November 2023. The administration building was the first of several projects authorized for sale by the board in January 2024. *LOCATION IS AN APPROXIMATION. THE SCHOOL WILL BE NORTHWEST OF THE LEGACY GARDENS NEIGHBORHOOD LOCATED OFF OF LEGACY DRIVE.

Drew Watkins was the superintendent of Prosper ISD from 2002-20, Superintendent Holly Ferguson said during the meeting. When he became superintendent the district had 962 students across three campuses. When he retired in 2020, the district had 19,138 students and 18 campuses , Ferguson said. Kristen Watkins served as an educator for 13 years, 11 of which were in Prosper ISD, Ferguson said.

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Events

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

• Feb. 24, 10-11 a.m. • Free • 407 E. First St., Prosper • https://jarvis.prosperparksandrec.org/ seniorclasses.aspx

February

Prosper Boys Basketball vs. McKinney Boyd Prosper High School’s boys basketball team will take on McKinney Boyd High School. The games for 9th grade and junior varsity will begin at 5 p.m. Varsity will play at 7 p.m. • Feb. 11, 5 p.m. (games begin) • $3-$5 • 301 Eagle Drive, Prosper • https://my.hometownticketing.com Trivia Night The Brass Tap will host its trivia night every Thursday through February and March. The trivia is free to play with prizes for winners. • Feb. 13, 20, 27 and March 6, 7-9 p.m. • Free • 790 N. Preston Road, Ste. 80, Prosper • www.brasstapbeerbar.com/prosper/events The Heart of the Matter: Brunch and Learn Attend the Prosper Parks and Recreation Department’s monthly lecture series to learn about lessening the chances of heart disease. Guests will learn the nature of the disease, controlling its effects and how to reverse effects.

March

Friday Night Market Head to Celina’s Downtown Square for the monthly Friday Night Market. Vendors will offer handcrafted items, seasonal produce and artisanal goods.

• March 7, 6-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 141 N. Ohio St., Celina • www.lifeincelinatx.com/fnm

Prosper Fishing Derby The annual Prosper Fishing Derby is returning to the pond at Frontier Park. The free community event includes a friendly competition for the most fish caught for young anglers ages 14 and under. Prizes will be awarded by age category. • Feb. 22, 9-10 a.m. • Free • 1551 Frontier Parkway, Prosper • www.prospertx.gov/566/prosper-fishing-derby

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PROSPER - CELINA EDITION

Transportation

BY SAMANTHA DOUTY & ALEX REECE

Two downtown roads to see construction Celina City Council approved a design agreement for the Ohio Street and Louisiana Drive Improvements project during a Jan. 14 meeting. The details The agreement is for the design services from Halff and Associates of the road for $434,300. The project will design a concrete curb and gutter street with an underground storm system, a new sanity sewer system and sidewalks for Ohio Drive and Louisiana Drive, according to a Celina agenda item. The project will begin at Ash Street and extend south to the end of the street. Funding for the project comes from bond funds.

Officials close US 380, FM 1385 intersection The intersection at US 380 and FM 1385 will be fully closed to traffic from Jan. 6-Feb. 7, according to an update posted on the town of Prosper’s social media pages. What’s happening? The closure is related to the ongoing con- struction taking place along US 380 as the Texas Department of Transportation works to widen the roadway. Closing the intersection altogether means the construction will continue faster than it would if traffic was limited to one lane and the roadwork was done in phases, according to a post on the town’s social media. Another detail Prosper officials also closed the US 380 inter- sections at Gee Road, Windsong Parkway, Teel

Ownsby Parkway project nears completion Celina officials continued work on Ownsby Parkway with additional council approvals. What you need to know Celina City Council approved a change order for the project to extend a stormwater line to Quail Hollow and to add the construction of CR 83 and Quail Hollow intersection in the amount not to exceed $190,418, according to a Jan. 14 agenda item. Funding for the project is available through bond funds. The background In August 2023, council authorized a bid for construction of Ownsby Parkway from Preston Road to Coit Road. The bid was to RPMx Construc- tion LLC. The new change approved by council in January 2025 exceeds $50,000 and by statute

LEGACY DR.

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Legacy Drive sees new curbs, landscaping Legacy Drive will continue to see improvements. What you need to know The roadwork on Legacy Drive is expected to finish in January, per a Jan. 16 post. The First Street project will create four lanes of roadway. Legacy Drive will get a road- way with curb and gutter, drainage improve- ments and median landscape improvements, per the town’s dashboard.

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required council approval. The project is in the construction phase. The entire project will construct a six-lane road that includes drainage, lights, sidewalks and landscap- ing. The project totals about $19 million. Construction on the project started October 2023 and the project is expected to be completed in January.

Parkway and Legacy Drive throughout late 2024 for the same reason, according to a statement included in the post. Those roads have since reopened. What they’re saying “These full closures allow for faster construc- tion, reducing the overall impact on traffic and ensuring US 380 is completed as quickly as possible,” according to the statement.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness Health & Wellness Guide

BY CONNOR PITTMAN

2025

Community Impact ’s annual Health and Wellness edition Welcome to our rst Health and Wellness edition. This guide was put together as a resource for readers looking to live healthier in 2025. The goal of this guide is to bring you news on full-body wellness, developing healthy habits and preventive care. The stories include explorations of local wellness trends and tips from experts. I hope you enjoy and learn something new from the stories by our team of local journalists.

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What's inside

Learn about the rise of IV therapy treatments (Page 19)

Behavioral health needs on the rise in local districts (Page 21)

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County program links residents to mental health providers

or let care navigators know what they are seeking. Navigators ask about potential barriers to care, such as a lack of insurance or nancial constraints. Rodriguez said that the program is condential, unless reporting is required by law, such as in the case of child or elder abuse. The program is available in both English and Spanish. Zooming in Once a referral is made, care navigators will reconnect with referred individuals about two weeks after the initial call to ensure that they were able to connect with a mental health care provider. Herrera said another follow-up with individuals takes place about three months after the call to check in on the well-being of referrals. “We are having really good feedback from the people reaching out, because they’re saying that their well-being has improved,” Herrera said.

Denton County Public Health’s free Links program, which aims to reduce barriers for Denton County residents to access mental health providers, engaged with over 400 individuals in 2024. The Denton County program launched in August 2023 in response to a United Way of Denton County survey, which found that 20% county residents experienced a mental health crisis, Healthcare Program Access Coordinator Isabel Rodriguez said. How it works Individuals can reach out to a mental health navigator during normal business hours Monday through Friday, or online any time, Rodriguez said. Navigators then connect with individuals to gure out what services are needed and what resources they can be referred to, but Denton County Public Health’s Links program is not a crisis helpline. Mental Health Navigator Rachel Herrera said individuals can provide information they choose to

Denton County Public Health Links program usage

New callers

Total engagements

500 400 300 200 100 0

467

243

104

2024

2023*

*NOTE: 2023 IS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE DENTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH LINKS PROGRAM. SOURCE: DENTON COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTHCOMMUNITY IMPACT

What else? Prior to referring individuals, county ocials vet the mental health care providers. “We’re going to make sure that what we’re giving them is current, and we’re not going to give them a resource that has a two-year waitlist,” Herrera said.

PROSPER CELINA EDITION

Health & wellness

BY HANNAH NORTON

Lawmakers seek ‘innovative’ health options as 5 million Texans uninsured

High health care costs

68%

Nearly half of Texans have employer- sponsored health insurance.

About 68% of Texas’ 3.2 million small businesses do not offer health coverage for their employees.

Services Committee. Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock, said giving people the true costs of medical ser- vices—“the needle, the doctor, the electricity and the bed”—could help lower insurance premiums. “It’s really frustrating to talk about health insurance costs when the cost is made up of some- thing that reflects no sense of reality,” Perry said. “There’s no incentive for insurance companies to pay less, and the system of health care delivery we have today demands the lack of transparency for it to work.” In a Dec. 10 report, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee said lawmakers should look into ways to increase “innovative, alternative” coverage options and consider requir- ing insurance providers to publicly list their prices. One more thing Texas is one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid, a state- and federally funded program that provides health coverage to certain low-in- come people. Texans can qualify for Medicaid based on a combination of factors, including income, household size, pregnancy or disability status and age. In states with expanded Medicaid, residents can qualify based on income alone, according to the federal government. About 750,000 Texans are in the “coverage gap,” according to policy nonprofit Texas 2036, meaning they make too much money to qualify for Medic- aid and too little to receive subsidized coverage through the federal health insurance marketplace. It would cost the state about $700 million per year to expand Medicaid, said Eva DeLuna Castro,

About 5 million Texans, or 16.4% of the state population, did not have health insurance in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Texas’ uninsured rate was higher than any other state and more than twice the national rate of 7.9% . “Texas leads the nation in a lot of good ways, but this is one of those things we don’t want to be leading the nation in,” said Annie Spilman, execu- tive director of Texans for Affordable Healthcare. The big picture For three years in a row, Texas health insurance premiums have increased by over 5% annually , according to the Texas Association of Health Plans, a trade association representing insurers. “The last several years, we’ve had the Legisla- ture adding a lot more requirements—what we call mandates—to health insurance that go above … the federal requirements,” said Blake Hutson, director of public affairs for the Texas Association of Health Plans. “Employers, who do provide the bulk of coverage in the state, are just increasingly facing higher and higher costs.” Texas has the third most health care mandates in the nation, according to Texans for Affordable Healthcare. Recent state mandates have limited the types of health coverage small businesses can offer, barred certain insurance providers from directing patients to mail-order pharmacies and more. Zooming in A lack of transparency is driving high health insurance costs, senators said during a May 14 hearing of the Texas Senate Health and Human

On average, Texas families pay $7,500 in annual employer-sponsored insurance premiums, while employers pay $15,000 per employee.

SOURCES: TEXICARE, TEXAS 2036/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Where to get help Uninsured Texans can visit 75 federally qualified health centers across 127 counties, which offer medical care regardless of insurance coverage or a patient’s ability to pay. Other options for people without health insurance include: Texas’ Primary Health Care Program Provides primary care services at clinics across the state Healthy Texas Women Offers free women’s health and family planning services The Texas HIV Medication Program Helps low-income Texans access medications to treat HIV and related complications

SOURCE: TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

a budget analyst in the office of Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin. Texas would also receive about $7 billion in federal Medicaid funding, DeLuna Castro estimated.

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Medical Director Chibuike Okoro explains IV hydration therapy Intravenous hydration therapy, a popular well- ness trend, involves the direct infusion of fluids, vitamins and minerals into the bloodstream. While it can provide rapid rehydration, its long-term health benefits remain largely unproven, said Dr. Chibuike Okoro, medical director of Hospital Medi- cine for Baylor Scott & White Medical Center-Irving. Okoro spoke to Community Impact about how IV therapy works, the potential risks and what indi- viduals seeking this treatment may need to know. Responses have been edited for length, clarity and style. How does IV therapy work? IV therapy is essentially a quick infusion of water in the form of saline, associated with some elec- trolytes, vitamins and other minerals, but it goes

directly into the bloodstream. It’s typically used for rehydration in the outpatient setting and has a variety of uses in the hospital. Are there health benefits to IV therapy? What are they? There is no research that really supports that IV vitamin hydration provides clear health benefits. Overall, there’s been an increase in interest in wellness, alternative medicine and fitness, and IV hydration has found its landing place within that. Why do you think IV therapy has become increasingly popular in recent years? The marketing behind it has been huge. You see a lot of celebrities doing it, and I think in general, there’s an increased interest in wellness, fitness and alternative medicine. Most commonly you see IV therapy promoted right after drinking alcohol or right after excessive exercise, and so it can really help with the symp- toms you feel from dehydration, fatigue, lethargy [and] headaches.

COURTESY BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com .

PROSPER - CELINA EDITION

5K guide Health & wellness

BY DUSTIN BUTLER & KAREN CHANEY

Coppell

Keller

5th annual St. Ann Parish 5K and Fun Run This family-friendly event is designed to support family-

first principles and a healthy lifestyle. • April 5, 8 a.m. (fun run), 8:30 a.m. (5K) • $27.50 (fun run), $32.80 (5K)

• Andrew Brown Park East, 260 Parkway Blvd., Coppell • www.findarace.com/us/events/st-anns-5k-and-fun-run

Flower Mound

Caveman Triathlon and 5K Participants can participate in the triathlon or 5K. • April 6, 7 a.m. (triathlon), 7:30 a.m. (5K) • $29 (5K), $85 (Triathlon) • 1200 Gerault Road, Flower Mound • https://bit.ly/4gUZgae

Fort Worth

28th annual Casey’s Kids Family Fun Run & 5K This fundraiser benefits Casey’s Kids, which was formed in 1997 when Janie Casey—a former Keller ISD counselor—discovered a student was missing school

because of a lack of clothing. • March 1, 8 a.m. (fun run), 8:30 a.m. (5K), 8-11 a.m. (health expo) • $25 (fun run), $35 (5K) • Bear Creek Park, 400 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller • https://bit.ly/4fQo5U4

Bubble Run Participants will run through foam bogs where they will be covered in colored foam. • March 22, staggered start times • $19.95+ • Texas Motor Speedway, 2492 Petty Place, Fort Worth • www.bubblerun.com/locations/fort-worth

• May 3, 10 a.m. • $65 (children 4-13), $75 (adults) • Myers Park, 7117 CR 166, McKinney • www.mudfactor.com/mckinney This list is not comprehensive.

• Pricing varies • Collin College Frisco Campus, 9700 Wade Blvd., Frisco • http://runtexasbigstar.com

Frisco

Texas BigStar Half Marathon & 5K Runners, joggers and walkers are invited to participate in this half-marathon and 5K. The event will feature races for people using wheelchairs, and guided marathons for blind or low-vision individuals. • April 12, times TBD

McKinney

Mud Factor This McKinney event features mud and other obstacles designed for participants of all ages.

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From the cover

Prioritizing student health

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

A closer look

The overview

act as counselors, but are educated to recognize signs of suicide contemplation and report con- cerns to an adult, according to the district. PISD schools also have student support counsel- ors who focus on student’s mental and emotional health, Webb said. “We want to support our students and their families,” she said. “That’s why our district pro- vides several ways to support students’ emotional well-being.” Celina ISD students take a behavioral health survey at the beginning and middle of the school year, said Starla Martin, the district’s director of student services. This helps counselors under- stand students’ likes, needs and feelings. School counselors also stay in contact with the parents and clinicians of students who are receiving therapy services.

Students struggling with anxiety, sadness or the ability to control their emotions can have a harder time succeeding in class or connecting with classmates, Webb said. Mental health disorders can aect how a child behaves and learns, according to Cook Children’s ocials. Cook Children’s, which has a location in Prosper, oers behavioral health services for children and teens. While Children’s Health telehealth services help expand the number of students who can access mental health services, Webb said there are several ways students have support in PISD. The district’s Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that aims to promote mental health awareness and provide support among PISD students, Webb said. The squads are in middle and high schools and are not meant to

Children’s Health system operates the school’s telebehavioral program, which provides short-term counseling and psychiatric consultation. Through the program, students meet with a hospital counselor through video calls at school. The number of students utilizing services for behavioral health has increased 84% since the 2019-20 school year in PISD, according to Children’s Health. The video program allows students to access care without having to drive, said Tamara Perry, senior director of telehealth operations at Children’s Health. “We’re able to provide this type of health care to our patients no matter where they are,” Perry said.

Prosper ISD student virtual visits with Children's Health

Number of visits Percent of student population

What they’re saying

0 200 100 300 400 500 600

535

507

374

343

2.2% 2.1%

“The sooner you address your child’s struggles and provide the necessary support, the sooner they can begin

“We believe that taking care of our students’ emotional health is as important as teaching them math or reading—

186

1.1%

1.9%

to heal and develop coping strategies to manage their depression or anxiety.” STARLA MARTIN, CELINA ISD DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

because when students feel emotionally healthy, they’re better prepared to learn and succeed.” ALEXIS WEBB, PROSPER ISD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

1.1%

SOURCE: PROSPER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Behavioral, emotional and physical changes parents should watch for:

What parents should know

Frequent headaches or stomaches Changes in appetite Not wanting to participate in social activities Excessive worry or fear

Changes in sleep patterns or nightmares Expressions of worthlessness or hopelessness Fatigue, low energy or diculty concentrating

Involvement in extracurricular activities provide opportunities for children to develop friendships and connections as well as improve condence and self-esteem, according to Cook Children’s. Poor mental health can stem from a variety of factors. This includes no restrictions on social media, household stressors such as nances or relationships as well as poor sleep and academic progress, Perry said.

Mental health concerns like depression and anxiety are not uncommon in children and teens, but they can impact a child’s social and academic development, Martin said. Open communication between parents and their child is essential, she said. Being involved in extracurricular activities, such as team sports, church youth groups and school activities can have a positive impact on youth mental health.

SOURCES: CELINA ISD, COOK CHILDREN’S, PROSPER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

PROSPER CELINA EDITION

Dining

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

The brisket tacos ($13) come with pickled onion, sriracha mayo, barbecue sauce, tomatillo and cotija cheese.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The wagyu burger ($16) features double patties of half Angus and half 30-day dry-aged wagyu, bacon, lettuce, onion, tomato, cheddar and burger sauce on a challah bun.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Toasted Walnut oers “craveable” menu in Celina Toasted Walnut Table and Market owners Audria Weimer and Amy Hegar said they want the restau- rant to oer a welcoming environment. What’s on the menu she opened the restaurant, she continued to work in corporate America. However, she decided to open Toasted Walnut as a way to exit Corporate America. “We never force anything,” Weimer said. “We

Owners Audria Weimer and Amy Hegar said Toasted Walnut’s menu is lled with an “explosion of avors.”

DUSTIN BUTLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

believe that goes against nature. We need the feeling to be there that now is the time ... If you’re forcing it then you’re going against God’s plan.” What’s special about it? Weimer said the sta at Toasted Walnut “love to serve” and her hope is that customers have an elevated dining experience. “Our mission is to serve,” she said. “It gives us gratitude to be able to welcome people in, sit around the table and have them enjoy the delights of our menu while they visit with family.”

The menu is lled with an “explosion of avors,” Weimer said. Several items, such as the chicken salad sandwich are “craveable,” she said. One of the most popular menu items is the burger, Weimer said. The burger features two patties of half Angus and half wagyu beef, bacon, lettuce, onion and tomato. The background Weimer said she was one of the founders of Tender Smokehouse, which opened in 2017. After

455

304 W. Walnut St., Celina www.toastedwalnuttableandmarket.com

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