74: Helping the Helpers Address Youth Mental Health

Building a comprehensive workforce response to the youth mental health crisis requires educators, traditional school behavioral health workers, and public health professionals to work collaboratively. A public health approach is needed to address youth mental health by supporting frontline staff through a “helping the helpers” model. Public health and education sectors can work in tandem to train frontline school staff and create systems of support for staff well-being. This episode highlights strategies for addressing youth mental health through the workforce and promising state practices for cross-sector collaborations.

Guests:

• Sharon Hoover, PhD, Co-Director, National Center for School Mental Health Director, NCTSN Center for Safe Supportive Schools, University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Allison Budzinski, MSW, CAPSW, Trauma and Resilience Coordinator Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• Jessica Frain, MSW, School Mental Health Consultant, Student Services/Prevention and Wellness, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Resources:

• Improving School Workforce Capacity to Address Youth Mental Health
• ASTHO Report: Improving Youth Behavioral Health Through School Based Strategies
• NCSMH Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems: Guidance from the Field
• Resilient Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Mental Health