Research In Action

Interested in learning more about and discussing the ongoing pediatric behavioral health crisis? On Thursday, January 27th from 11AM - 12PM EST, join behavioral health experts from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, and ZERO TO THREE for a virtual panel discussion titled, "Unpacking the Pediatric Behavioral Health Crisis and Key Steps to Address Short- and Long-Term Needs." The panelists will share national trends, seek input from the audience, and discuss a path forward to support the needs of children and their families. This event will be recorded.

Far too many children and youth across the country are unable to access timely, quality mental health care. What was a crisis before the pandemic has only worsened. According to the CDC, since March 2020, mental health visits have increased for children (ages 5-11) by 24% and youth (ages 12-17) by 31%. In the first half of 2021 alone, children’s hospitals reported cases of self-injury and suicide in ages 5-17 at a rate 45% higher than during the same timeframe in 2019.

A national campaign, Sound the Alarm for Kids, is bringing together organizations calling on Congress to act now to prevent further unaddressed harm to our nation’s children. All children in America should have the right to live up to their full potential. The mental health crisis is a national emergency – and we’re in the fight of our lives to end it.

Virtual Event Details

Featured Panelists

Tami D. Benton, MD - President-Elect, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychiatrist-in-Chief, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Dr. Tami Benton will shed light on the scope of the problem from a healthcare provider perspective.

Kevin Bethel, MS - Special Advisor on School Safety, School District of Philadelphia

Kevin Bethel will discuss some of the ways the crisis presents in schools and the potential for getting kids on a better path.

JoAnn Duffy, MSW - Director of Social Work, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

JoAnn Duffy will walk us through the necessary continuum of care and how several pieces of the continuum are limited (or entirely missing), resulting in delayed placements, imperfect placements, or no real placement at all.

Lee Johnson III, PhD - Senior Policy Analyst for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, ZERO TO THREE

Dr. Lee Johnson III will bring to the table the essential fact that the earlier we address these issues, the better off we’ll be. Furthermore, better training for parents, daycare providers, etc. as well as easier access to early intervention are an essential piece of the answer. 

Registration

Attendees can register online for the event and add it to their calendar