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Trump signs executive order banning transgender athletes from women's sports, directing DOJ to enforce; Educators voice concern for PA immigrant student protections; WA rent stabilization bills have huge public support; ME benefits from $2.2 billion in federal clean energy investments.

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Nationwide protests erupt against federal policies, Indiana's EV infrastructure expansion stalls due to a funding freeze, and Washington state pushes for rent stabilization to combat rising housing costs.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Schools' services help ME kids tackle mental health challenges

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Thursday, September 12, 2024   

Mental health experts have released a checklist for parents of students headed back to school in Maine.

The state's Department of Health and Human Services said 15% of Maine children ages 6-11 suffer from emotional or behavioral conditions requiring treatment but too often kids who need counseling go without.

Caitlin Hochul, vice president of public policy for the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable, said the numbers demonstrate why funding for school services is vital.

"They help improve access to care and are really one of the most effective tools we have to help improve children's mental health well-being," Hochul pointed out. "Because we are reaching kids where they spend most of their time, and that is in schools."

The U.S. Department of Education said students who get help at school are six times more likely to complete treatment than those who receive care elsewhere. Data show Maine students are experiencing rates of depression and anxiety exceeding national trends.

Research shows increasing mental health literacy in the classroom can decrease symptoms of depression, and Hochul noted there are several steps schools can take to achieve the goal.

"One is making sure that kids understand what brain health is, what mental health is, similar to physical health education," Hochul recommended. "Then there's also training up staff and teachers, too, so they're understanding warning signs and can help with suicide prevention and substance use disorder prevention."

Hochul added regular mental health check-ins with kids, even if they are informal, can help identify students who may need support.

Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, is backing legislation to increase the availability of counselors in public schools nationwide. The bill would establish a five-year grant program to help schools hire additional school-based mental health service providers and social workers.


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