All articles tagged with #mental health services
The Trump administration ended the specialized LGBTQ+ services on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which had been crucial for young LGBTQ+ individuals facing mental health challenges, citing funding issues. Despite the removal of the dedicated 'Press 3' option, general crisis support remains available through 988, and organizations like The Trevor Project continue to provide targeted support for LGBTQ+ youth.
The Trump administration is ending specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has been shown to effectively support high-risk groups, raising concerns among advocates about the impact on vulnerable youth.
A mother in Northern Ireland who experienced postpartum psychosis was detained in a psychiatric hospital away from her baby for five weeks, highlighting the urgent need for specialized mother and baby units in the region, similar to those in Great Britain, to improve care and outcomes for mothers with mental health issues.
A study led by the University of Toronto found that 50% of youth accessing mental health services exhibit Psychosis Spectrum Symptoms (PSS), indicating a higher prevalence than anticipated. The study aims to identify early predictors of psychosis spectrum disorder and improve intervention effectiveness by integrating research assessments into clinical practice and involving youth in a patient-facing dashboard. The goal is to develop new strategies for early identification and better characterize the mental health needs of at-risk youth, with the ultimate aim of improving youth mental health outcomes.
Israel's mental health services are struggling to cope with the mass trauma caused by the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7. Mental health professionals and volunteers are working around the clock to provide support to those affected, including the families of those killed, injured, and taken hostage. The mental health impact is still unfolding, with many people seeking help only now. Grassroots initiatives have played a significant role in filling the gaps in the overstretched mental health system. The ongoing war and the need to convince others of the reality of the situation add to the trauma experienced by the Israeli population.
Joseph Emerson, the former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to shut off the engines of a plane traveling from Washington state to San Francisco, has been released from custody after posting $50,000 bond. Emerson, who pleaded not guilty to 83 reduced charges of reckless endangerment, claimed to have suffered a panic attack and was in a dream-like state during the incident. He had previously faced 83 attempted murder charges, which were not filed by the grand jury. As part of his release conditions, Emerson must undergo mental health services, stay away from drugs and alcohol, and not come within 30 feet of an operable aircraft.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed a $16.6 billion spending plan for 2024 that closes a $538 million budget gap and focuses on investments in affordable housing, mental health services, and environmental justice. The plan does not include property tax hikes or new taxes to cover the deficit, and instead prioritizes addressing the needs of working-class Chicagoans. The proposal includes doubling the number of social workers and counselors for mental health crisis response, opening two new mental health clinics, expanding the city's youth jobs program, and providing grants for low-income homeowners. The plan also emphasizes the importance of welcoming newcomers while calling for more support from the state and federal government. Additionally, the budget aims to transform the Chicago Police Department by creating civilian positions and increasing training opportunities. The budget will be reviewed by the City Council before final approval.
School districts in San Diego County are taking a proactive approach to address the uptick in COVID-19 cases on campuses. The Chula Vista Elementary School District is encouraging testing, handwashing, and transparency to mitigate the spread of the virus. The San Diego Unified School District has seen about 150 more positive cases compared to the same period last year, and they continue to provide home test kits and offer masks to those who want them. Mental health services are also being provided to support students dealing with COVID-related stressors.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green announced that the number of missing people after the devastating wildfires on Maui has potentially decreased to 66. The fires have resulted in a total of 115 fatalities, with additional deaths expected to be announced in the future. The American Red Cross, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, and FEMA have relocated over 7,500 displaced survivors to hotels and Airbnbs. The fires have ravaged historic Lahaina Town, and the state plans to expand mental health services for residents affected by the tragedy. President Joe Biden visited Maui and expressed support for the community.
Voters in Springfield, Missouri, have approved a 3% tax on the sale of recreational marijuana, with proceeds to be allocated towards public safety, mental health services, housing, and substance abuse services. The city manager expects the City Council to determine how the funds will be distributed among these categories. Springfield was the largest city in the state without this tax, and the majority of cities and counties in Missouri have already approved it. The additional funds will be used to address critical issues in the community, such as community health, public safety, and the housing shortage.
Gun violence survivors, activists, and elected officials gathered in Connecticut to mark nearly one year since Congress passed the most significant gun safety package in three decades. The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act focuses on keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous people and investing in school safety and mental health resources. The legislation has resulted in dozens of federal charges and blocked the purchase of more than a hundred firearm purchases. Available data suggests the U.S. is seeing a year-over-year decline in murders nationwide, but mass shootings appear to be accelerating.
A new study from the University of Chicago shows that social vulnerability is closely linked to higher suicide risk, with suicide rates nearly doubling between the least and most vulnerable counties. The study proposes several public health and economic policies that could reduce suicide rates by targeting social vulnerability in communities, such as improving access to mental health services and quality healthcare, and building stronger social networks. The research emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions to communities at higher risk and highlights the need to address social and economic disparities to prevent needless deaths.
The Texas Legislature has passed a bill requiring silent panic buttons in classrooms across the state, along with other safety measures, to bolster school safety in the wake of the Uvalde shooting. The bill includes funding for security purposes, regular safety inspections of school buildings, and incentives for staff members to become armed campus "sentinels." The legislation overwhelmingly passed the Texas House with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate.
The Texas House has approved a $302.6 billion state spending plan for the next two years, which includes pay raises for state employees, tax cuts, and more mental health services. The budget plan also leaves tens of billions of dollars in unspent general revenue available. The plan passed on a vote of 136-10, with a handful of Democrats and two Republicans voting against it. The budget now goes to the Senate Finance Committee, which has been readying its own proposal that is significantly different from the House version.
Six children were killed and two adults were injured in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 24 in Robertson County, Tennessee. The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Critical Incident Stress Management teams were deployed following the incident, and mental health services were made available to first responders. The westbound lanes were blocked as first responders worked the scene, so all traffic was diverted off at Exit 24. All lanes have since reopened.