statistics in their 2018 report, noting that across the
United States, access to mental health services was
limited and “over 1.7 million youth with major depressive
episodes did not receive treatment,” with their rate of
depression increasing from 5.9% to 8.2%, over five years.
Prevention is a key component and the school district
has implemented a number of social emotional learning
programs known as SEL strategies. These strategies
include Where Everybody Belongs (WEB), Character
Counts!, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
(PBIS), LINK Crew, and Sources of Strength, a mental
health support/prevention program, which Battell says
the school district will be piloting next school year.
Working to differentiate between childhood outbursts
and genuine mental health issues is a fine line many
parents can’t walk on their own.
It Really Does Take a Village …
When it comes to identifying and tackling mental health
challenges with our children, no one entity or agency
can do it alone, and collaboration among the community
resources, under a single umbrella, helps provide the
needed support to ensure success.
“Our schools work with families to help support the
families’ long-term mental health needs and care,” said
Kyle Dresback, Associate Superintendent of Student
Support Services. “Our social workers provide community
resources that are available for not just students but also
the family.”
“One community resource we rely heavily on is St. Johns
Care Connect through Flagler Health+. We also provide a
list of local resources for families in need as well as help
to coordinate some of these services,” he said.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis situation, call
911. More information on steps you can take to get help
can be found on pages 10 & 16.
For more information on the services available through
the St. Johns Care Connect, visit
www.stjohnscareconnect.com.
Danielle Anderson, a resident of Palm Coast, Florida
has worked in the public relations and media industry for
a decade. Writing for high profile publications across the
state, Danielle started her career as a news reporter for
Flagler Broadcasting, where she discovered her passion
for telling the stories of communities in Florida.
Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis announced a
statewide initiative on May 16, 2019 "Hope for Healing
Florida" in conjunction with the Florida Department
of Children and Families, Florida Department of
Education and the Florida Department of Juvenile
Justice to assist children, families and individuals
facing mental health and substance abuse issues.
Utilizing a centralized website, those seeking
information will find resources on suicide prevention,
depression and anxiety, bullying, and a comprehensive
treatment locator. Find out more by visiting
www.hopeforhealingfl.com.
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