Mental Health Champion Grant (American Academy of Pediatrics/ CDC)
Project Description:
Mental Health Champions provide support for children and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID has exacerbated disruptions to daily life, anxiety about illness, social isolation, and interrupted connectedness to school and peers. Schools do not have enough psychologists and other mental health professionals to meet these needs. As a result, Children 5-11 years old have experienced a 24% increase of Emergency room visits, and an increase of mental health referrals by schools. Champions develop state-specific work plans to address mental health needs, through promotion, prevention, and systemic collaboration (e.g., school, healthcare, and community) to promote better connections between these systems. The objectives for this project include 1) To collaborate with the federally qualified health centers or clinics that serve young children in Connecticut to develop a visual media campaign on social emotional development for young children for families, 2) To identify and disseminate videos and materials on social milestones with parents to assist them to have positive interactions and support play with their children to facilitate their development.
Keyword(s):
Developmental Disabilities, Early Childhood – General, Health Equity, Mental/Behavioral Health – General , Preventive Services, Social Determinants of Health
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Community Trainees / Short term trainees, Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Urban, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
