Nationwide Children's Hospital is significantly expanding its pediatric mental health efforts under the Kids Mental Health Foundation.
The Columbus-based hospital launched the foundation Tuesday as experts say a national health crisis in children's mental health has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. .
The new foundation will build on what has already been done over the past six years through its On Our Sleeves program, which aims to build on what has already been done over the past six years through its On Our Sleeves program, which addresses issues such as anxiety, bullying, grief, trauma and other challenges faced by many children around children's mental health. We aim to provide free educational tools and resources. face.
“So many people say they know exactly what to do if their child breaks an arm or has a cold or fever, but they also say they know exactly what to do if their child breaks an arm or has a cold or fever, but if their child endures a panic attack or is scared or stressed, “When I see people struggling with the effects of this, I feel helpless,” he says. Whitney Raglin Vignall, associate clinical director at the Kids Mental Health Foundation, said in a press release.
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said in a 2021 report that the challenges facing today's youth are “unprecedented” and that such challenges are devastating to their mental health. He said that it is having a significant impact.
“We want to create a world where children's mental health is as important as their physical health and where adults have the skills to help children face and cope with life's challenges. ,” Bignal said.
According to Nationwide Children's, approximately 15 million people across the U.S. have participated in On Our Sleeves alone since it was founded in 2018. Hospitals hope to add millions more.
The new foundation encapsulates several new programs, including On Our Sleeves and Bloom, which provides employers with resources for employees with children struggling with mental health concerns.
The foundation will also increase educational resources and curricula for primary care providers as well as teachers, coaches and other adults involved in children's lives, to give children the knowledge and confidence to care for them. We are also aiming for
Familiar faces in Ohio, including Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day, expressed support for the foundation's launch via video messages.
“The most important thing we can do for the future of Ohio is to ensure that every child in Ohio, no matter where they live or who their parents are, can maximize their God-given potential.” It's about making sure they have the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability,” DeWine said in the video. message.
Many of the resources are readily available for free online at https://kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org/.
