The Youth Mental Health Corps
The Youth Mental Health Corps is the first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to training American youth to address the country’s growing mental health crisis. The program will train young volunteers to work with other young people struggling with the initiative hoping to launch this fall. The U.S. Surgeon General adds that the mental health of American youth is “the defining public health issue of our time.”
Growing Mental Health Crisis
The U.S. is grappling with a mental health crisis that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates of anxiety and depression have soared, affecting individuals across all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. This surge in mental health challenges has placed immense strain on healthcare systems, with many individuals struggling to access timely and affordable care. The crisis has also highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of mental health issues, as well as increased investment in prevention and treatment programs. While the pandemic has intensified these challenges, the underlying causes of the mental health crisis are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and sustained effort to address them effectively.
