U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued an advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health this week. The Advisory describes a decade-long increase of mental health challenges for youth and highlights the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children, adolescents, and young adults. Further, the Surgeon General issued recommendations to improve the mental health of youth through a “whole-of-society effort,” including actions and tools to recognize mental health challenges, educate, empower and promote access to high-quality mental healthcare.
Burke offers Youth Mental Health First Aid to parents, schools, and community members. The course is designed for anyone who works with youth ages 12-18. Instructors review the unique risk factors and warning signs for this age group. In addition, instruction emphasizes the importance of early intervention and covers how adults can help youth experiencing a mental health issue or crisis. Learn more about this program at www.myburke.org/mhfa.
