New Resources in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month
Behavioral health challenges in children were rising prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and youth psychological distress and unmet behavioral health need only increased further during the pandemic. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, PolicyLab has several new resources outlined below that look to address this ongoing crisis and explore opportunities available to support the health & well-being of youth.
White paper:
- A new white paper, “Building and Sustaining Programs for School-based Behavioral Health Services in K-12 Schools” describes several innovative strategies implemented by states and municipalities in support of comprehensive behavioral health services in schools. The authors hope this paper can be helpful in exploring how to address some of the barriers associated with implementing, funding and sustaining these services.
On the blog:
- PolicyLab Affiliate Trainee Dr. Polina Krass describes the opportunities and challenges of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launching this summer in addressing the pediatric mental health crisis and outlines how to ensure it meets the needs of youth.
- With suicide risk among adolescents spiking during the pandemic, PolicyLab researchers Drs. Molly Davis and Jami Young discuss how the mental health fields can partner with school personnel and pediatric primary care to identify and address youth suicide risk.
- PolicyLab researchers Morgan Bush and Danielle Apple detail an innovative program in Colorado providing all youth with behavioral health sessions and discuss how this model could be adapted in other states.
From PolicyLab Forum 2022:
- During our recent forum event, experts discussed innovations for delivering school-based mental health services during the session, “A Look Forward on School Mental and Behavioral Health Services.” Watch a recording of the discussion below.
To join the conversation, follow along with us on Twitter at @PolicyLabCHOP using the hashtag #MentalHealthMonth.