Some Kentucky schools that offer mental-health services in youth crisis

This story was originally published by Public News Service.

A pilot program launched by the Todd County School District and the county’s Department of Environmental Health provides mental-health case management services to all public school students.

Anxiety, depression and self-harm are on the rise among Kentucky’s youth, said Abby Dill, Axis Program Supervisor for the Todd County Health Department. She said there are not enough therapists and counselors in rural communities to meet the growing demand, and that students are struggling with emotional well-being after the outbreak.

“Case management modeling allowed us to do a needs assessment,” Dill points out. “And we really provide wrap-around services and we can build on those in our program by working with people in our rural communities to find services and see where there are service gaps.”

From Annie E. According to a study conducted by the Casey Foundation, the state a It increased by 28 percent. Between 2016 and 2020 in children’s depression or anxiety. And recent data show that more than one in seven Kentucky high school students have seriously considered suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental-health crisis, contact the National Suicide and crisis hotline Call or text 988 to get help from a trained crisis counsellor.

Mark Thomas, superintendent of the Todd County Public School District, said the Axis program helps students get food, clothing, housing and transportation and substance abuse treatment.

“It is one of the ideas that it takes a village to raise a child. We include that,” Thomas emphasized. “Then we think of ourselves as a family. We are all one big family, not only for our children, but also for our employees.

Allison Adams, vice president of policy at the Healthy Kentucky Foundation, said Thomas was recently recognized for his efforts with Kentucky. Healthy champions Award, she added, is that individuals across the state are creating solutions to improve their communities.

“There are opportunities to raise people in your community who are working to make an impact on health,” Adams emphasized. “Think about who that person is in your community and consider nominating a Healthy Kentucky Champion Class of 2023.”

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