No time to wait: ending the youth mental health crisis

Years before the coronavirus pandemic began, another national health crisis was roiling. Children and teens were showing up in greater numbers in emergency rooms in mental health crises. Depression and anxiety were rising. More kids were reporting suicidal thoughts and rates of suicide had been climbing. In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an emergency advisory about the growing youth mental health crisis, calling on the American people to act. The message was clear: the pandemic had only exacerbated kids' existing mental health problems. It was also clear that youth from traditionally marginalized groups were disproportionately affected. Part of the problem: a lack of providers who specialize in treating kids.

I uncovered this story about a pioneering approach to expanding the number of youth mental health care providers in Rhode Island. And I crafted this round up about more Blues across the country are taking action to expand access.