Shelby County Engages Youth For Better Mental Health Services
The mental health crisis among youth in the United States has reached alarming levels, with one in five adolescents experiencing a mental health disorder each year. Shelby County, Tenn. is no exception.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the county’s youth coalition became increasingly vocal about the worsening mental health situation and the lack of accessible supportive services.
The coalition proposed the Shelby County Commission use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to support youth mental health. They explained that mental health services were far less accessible than leaders thought.
Shelby County, where 25% of individuals live below the poverty line, faces significant challenges with many young people uninsured or struggling to navigate the health care system even when insured...
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