teens

A network of newspapers across Wisconsin are creating a multi-faceted awareness campaign for Children’s mental health. The newspaper network for USA Today will be conducting several townhall meetings to provide awareness but also get feedback from local agencies and professionals.

Having worked with teenagers for over 5 years, mental health and suicide-ideation are very big issues in their lives. A number of years ago, various programs and agencies were created to assist in addressing mental health in youth. There is a PATH program implemented by United Way and Family Services which brings mental health services into the schools. There is also Catalpa Health which has been the main resource for children’s mental health since it’s creation in 2012. It was created through a collaboration between the three main private healthcare companies in the area. I tried to get a graduate internship there, to be at the forefront of a dire community need. But instead I have had various email contacts with the Director Greg Blume. They don’t hire APSWs, only people with clinical licenses which has its pros and cons. But Wisconsin is in dire need of more psychiatrists to be employed in these community partnership ventures.

In 2014, Wisconsin was awarded a grant from SAMHSA for $1 million for the next 5 years. Project YES was/is supposed to help fund mental health services for young adults in need of mental health and substance abuse services initially in Jefferson and Outagamie counties and then expanding to other counties. From what I have researched, Project YES is more of an awareness campaign state-wide. I have asked the local newspaper to highlight any details about Project YES’s financial contributions to community services.

I will follow the awareness campaign and townhall schedule and relay information that I think is pertinent to social work and advocacy for youth.