In December 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued, “A Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health.” The Advisory brought attention to the significant mental health issues experienced by our youth, further impacted by the pandemic. In 2019, 16% of youth ages 12 – 17 reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year, double since 2009. From March to October of 2020, visits to the emergency room by youth for mental health issues increased 31% for 12 – 17 years old and 24% for children 5 – 11 years old, compared to 2019.

This workshop will look at factors that shape youth mental health, current trends and challenges and actionable steps we can all take to address and prioritize the very real needs of our youth.