Event Date: October 13, 2020
Presentation Materials: Report | Recording | Slides
Contributing Girlfriends: Deedra Weill, Elizabeth Fraser, Emily Froimson, Holly Vaughn-Edmonds, Karen Kun, Marnie Frank, Michelle McHugh

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. How can we support their social and emotional wellness during a time of social fragmentation, funding cuts, and uncertainty about the future? The Understanding Youth Mental Health 2020 Spotlight Report describes the issues and the limited resource available to support positive mental health of children and young adults, highlighting the incidence of depression, anxiety and behavior disorders. Learn about Oregon’s Student Success Act, and models for effective intervention and treatment, such as the bright spot of recent telemedicine efforts.

This report identifies impactful local organizations addressing the mental health needs of children and youth, including six groups that ninety-nine girlfriends has already funded (PDX Bridge, PRISM project, My Voice Music, Cares NW, CASA, and The Circus Project). For those wanting to explore further, a bibliography provides links to both scientific and popular publications on the subject.

The October presentation featured remarks from Lev Scheiderman, Oregon Health Authority, and Portland Public Schools social workers Amy Ruota and Mila Rodriguez.