(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)
Filling a need: How school-based mental health programs work in Wisconsin
By Megan Marshall Wisconsin
PUBLISHED 7:00 AM ET May 23, 2023
MILWAUKEE — Wisconsin school-based mental health programs are on the rise, amid the mental health crisis across the nation.
Mental Health America reported that more than 16% of kids ages 12 to 17 reported at least one major depressive episode last year.
What You Need To Know
Wisconsin school-based mental health programs are on the rise, amid the mental health crisis across the nation
In the recent the State of Mental Health in America report, Wisconsin ranked number one overall in the U.S. for mental health. It ranked number four in mental health for kids.
REDgen started 10 years ago after a handful of suicides in one community. The program’s goal is to help kids tackle mental health issues at schools across Milwaukee County.
Ramos has been a part of REDgen for a few years now. Through his time in the group, he has been able to become a leader for the school.
When compared to other states in the study, Wisconsin had fewer adults who said their mental health needs were going unmet.
More adults are seeking treatment and fewer students are being reported for emotional disturbances within their individual education program.
There is also evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that kids are struggling.
It found 67% of high school students reported schoolwork as being more difficult. Abuse is another factor, with 55% reporting they’d experienced some emotional abuse in the home and 11% reporting they’d experienced physical abuse.
In the recent State of Mental Health in America report, Wisconsin ranked number one overall in the U.S. for mental health. It ranked number four in mental health for kids.
This is reflected in the many Wisconsin schools that have brought in school-based mental health programming.
(Spectrum News 1/Megan Marshall)
REDgen, which stands for “Resilience through education for a new generation,” is one of those programs. It started in 2013 and has been growing over the past few years as mental health needs increase in youth.
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