Washington DC Educators, Students & Families - School Mental Health

While we observe the last few days of Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S., it is important to take note of the fact that many of our young people do not have access to school counselors, on-campus therapists and licensed psychologists. According to Talkspace and PROJECT BLACKBIRD INC., schools around the country are losing funding for counselors and mental health programs at a time where there is rising need for mental health care for students. “Over the past two decades, rates have climbed significantly, with PTSD prevalence in children rising from 17% to 28% in just the last five years,” said Leanora Krugolets (Karnath) of TalkSpace. “COVID-19 accelerated this further, increasing domestic violence, household dysfunction, and parental stress – all of which compound trauma exposure for children. These trends highlight the importance of timely access to care.” I wrote a piece for The Washington Informer's annual health edition on Project Blackbird's mission to provide free health care for elementary to college students - an effort that the organization's founder, Alexandra Miles, is committed to fulfilling across the country. I'm interested in reporting more on this issue - particularly in Washington, D.C. Please drop a comment or DM letting me know what your experience is as an educator, student, family member or medical professional with receiving/providing mental health care in - or out of school.