RALEIGH, N.C. – Schools are often "ground zero" for bullying, with national data showing about one-in-five students between the ages of 12 and 18 reporting being bullied at school.
North Carolina districts are working to address the problem during National Bullying Prevention Month. Christel Greiner Butchart, chair of Peaceful Schools NC, says the consequences of bullying resonate beyond the victim.
"The fabric of the whole peer group can be thrown off if there are some really unhealthy dynamics, or a lot of aggression happening," she says. "There are so many different layers that this affects in the whole experience of the student, of the classroom and of the school community."
Greiner Butchart says all those present in the school environment can help to build a systematic approach to bullying. A good start, she says, is creating a positive learning environment where all students can thrive.
Educational leaders will gather Saturday at Duke University for a panel discussion on the issue, and to learn about successful school models addressing bullying.
According to Greiner Butchart, many schools struggle with how to respond to bullying when it does occur. She suggests a proactive perspective on discipline.
"When students make mistakes, how can we look at that as an opportunity to support their growth rather than what I think has been traditional in terms of punishments," she asks. "How can we have something that's more like restitution or restorative justice?"
Peaceful Schools NC works with districts to reduce school violence by educating students, parents, and all school personnel about the dynamics of bullying. Greiner Butchart says while conflict is a natural occurrence, bullies, victims and bystanders all play a role.
"It's hard to imagine a world in which conflict and bullying is not going to take place," she says. "But how do we handle it and address it when it does happen? How can we empower our kids to be able to manage this so it doesn't escalate to something that's going to be dangerous for anybody in the school community?"
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, victims of bullying experience negative mental, physical, social and educational issues. Similarly, bullies are at risk for alcohol and drug abuse, early sexual activity, and criminal convictions as adults.
get more stories like this via email
Boulder and Broomfield County residents can now access mental health services the same way they can access urgent medical care.
Dr. Nadia Haddad, medical director of mental health services with Mental Health Partners, said all too often, people can't get help unless they are already connected with an outpatient provider, and many have months-long waiting lists. She said if people have to wait for care, their situation can get worse, and what might have been a manageable issue can turn into a crisis.
"They are going to the emergency room or going to a psychiatric hospital. And so what we're trying to do is fill that gap so that people can get connected with services when they need it, on a walk-in basis," she said.
Mental Health Partners, a community mental health center serving Boulder and Broomfield counties for 60 years, recently launched UrgentPsych Mental Health and Substance Use Urgent Care. The walk-in program provides immediate, in-person support for urgent mental health and substance use needs for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, whether or not they are an existing client, or speak English. For more information about the 24-hour facility in northeast Boulder, call 303-443-8500.
Mental Health Partners' new Intensive Family Services program provides in-home therapy for K through 12 youth with disruptive behaviors who are at risk of being placed in foster care or the juvenile justice system. The urgent care facility is also available to people of all ages.
"That's another really challenging part of seeking out services. Care for children and adolescents is often even more challenging to find. There are fewer child psychiatrists out there," she said.
Both new programs were created in part to get people the services they need to avoid hospitalization. But Haddad said when people do reach a point where they need 24/7 monitoring and daily visits from a medical provider, it is essential that people can access hospital-level care.
"The vast majority of people who are dealing with mental health-related issues do not require hospitalization. If we can change people's trajectories earlier, we can prevent mental suffering, and they may not have to go through the hospital," she explained.
get more stories like this via email
This is National Library Week, honoring the many roles that libraries play in their communities.
In central Texas, a pilot program is using the public library system to expand mental health services in rural areas.
Residents in four counties can get assistance at their local public library through the Libraries for Health program.
Trained mental health peer specialists evaluate clients and refer them to clinics for additional help if it's needed.
The program is funded through the St. David's Foundation, working to advance health equity in Central Texas.
The foundation's Senior Program Officer Abena Asante said the initiative works in tandem with the mental health community.
"It's in no way taking the place of clinical-directed psychologists," said Asante. "It's just one community response in addressing the lack of mental wellness resources in rural communities."
Asante said libraries are trusted and accessible gathering places for people living in rural areas. The libraries tailor programs to meet specific local needs based on feedback from the residents.
Data collected during the 3.5-year pilot program will be used to evaluate its success. The nonprofit Via Hope trains the peer specialists who work in the libraries.
Dr. Sandra Smith, vice president of Via Hope, said the staffers use their own life experiences to help them relate to the clients.
"They have to have had a mental health challenge at some point in their life," said Smith. "We don't ask them any specifics about that, we don't ask diagnoses - it's a self-disclosure."
The Libraries for Health program operates in eight libraries in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays and Williamson counties. If successful, it could be implemented in other parts of the state.
get more stories like this via email
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in 36 children around the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. Rates are much higher than a decade ago and support organizations hope Wisconsin communities do more to make individuals feel welcome, including adults on the spectrum.
April is Autism Acceptance Month. Not only do advocates want to empower those with a diagnosis to live their fullest possible lives but they also ask those around them to learn more about it.
Katie Hess, executive director of the Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin, said there are some key practices to keep in mind.
"Really, what we're looking for is for people just to be open-minded and patient, and understanding," Hess explained.
Acceptance does not happen only at home or school. Workplaces also are encouraged to foster more inclusiveness, with nearly 60% of people with autism now employed after receiving vocational services. Their advocates said they have many strengths and asking them about their needs creates a better environment for them.
Symptoms of autism can vary widely for each person on the spectrum, including how they interact with others. Hess noted whether individuals are considered "high need" or "low need," having the public pay more attention to the evolution of this disorder is vital.
"We're learning new information all the time, so certainly reach out to your local chapter, your Autism Society," Hess urged. "Ask questions."
Her chapter will soon begin offering a training program to organizations about how to become more autism friendly, including being able to identify a person on the autism spectrum and how to best offer ways to help if they disclose their diagnosis.
get more stories like this via email
Contact
