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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025   

Schools in New York and nationwide continue to play an important role in bolstering kids' mental health.

New York made a $1 billion investment in school-based mental health supports last year, but a recent report found 179,000 children in the state live with major depression and more than half do not receive treatment. Insurance barriers, staffing shortages or a lack of access may be to blame.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable, said school can play many roles in improving kids' mental health.

"Schools can help promote resilience and skills like getting along well with others, healthy coping skills, making responsible choices," Kimball outlined. "All of those things can help mitigate against mental health challenges later on."

Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2025 budget proposal contains several measures aimed at student mental health. They include training high school students to identify and respond to signs of mental health issues among their peers.

One challenge is the ongoing shortage of mental health professionals. A 2022 state comptroller's report found along with a staffing shortage, most schools lack oversight on mental health education.

Kimball stressed there are ways to work around it and make headway on student mental health.

"Another thing many states are starting to do is broaden the workforce to include staff trained as care coordinators, to help families navigate and access services; wellness coaches to offer brief support," Kimball explained.

She added low reimbursement for mental health providers is another financial barrier. And their years of higher education saddle many with student debt. A State Senate bill reintroduced this year would establish a school-based mental health loan repayment program, providing up to $30,000 to eligible applicants who agree to work four years in underserved schools.

Disclosure: Inseparable contributes to our fund for reporting on Criminal Justice, Health Issues, Mental Health, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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