Mental Health / Public News Service

Residents of rural communities rely on Medicaid more than do their urban counterparts because of lower incomes, fewer private insurance options and higher unemployment rates. (ISKPRODUCTION/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

GOP budget cuts to Medicaid could fray NM's safety net

Medicaid is a lifeline for many of New Mexico's families, making it one of six states that could be severely affected by cuts Congressional …

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reports more than 15,000 children are in foster care in Ohio - and nearly a quarter have complex needs that make finding the right placement especially challenging. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Hope and healing in Ohio's foster system

As Ohio approaches National Foster Care Month in May, one family's journey highlights how therapeutic foster care can change lives. A 12-year-old …

Advocates from Compassion & Choices attended a hearing for Senate Bill 403 before the State Senate Committee on Health on April 23. (Patricia Portillo/Compassion & Choices)

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Legislative hearing today on bill to extend End of Life Option Act

A bill to make medical aid in dying permanently legal in California goes before the state Senate Judiciary Committee today. The End of Life Option …

Medi-Cal pays for a range of health services in schools, including aides and equipment for disabled students. (Ermolaev Alexandr/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 28, 2025

Advocates warn proposed cuts to Medi-Cal will cripple school budgets

Medicaid is in the crosshairs, as Republicans in Congress are expected to lay out proposals in May to cut $1.5 trillion from the federal budget…

Reduced federal funding for Medicaid would lead to widespread coverage losses and tens of thousands of avoidable deaths each year, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 28, 2025

West Virginia Senators push Medicaid cuts

Many residents of West Virginia are at risk of losing health care under a federal proposal to cut Medicaid funding by $880 billion. Sen. Jim Justice…

Research suggests a connection between seasonal inflammation and depression. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 28, 2025

Springtime can worsen depression, expert says

Budding flowers, warmer temperatures and longer days are welcome signs to many in Maryland after the long, dark months of winter. Some people might …

Around 85% of first responders in the United States report experiencing symptoms related to mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 28, 2025

Montana bill could cover PTSD treatment for first responders

A bill headed to the Montana governor's desk would qualify post-traumatic stress disorder under workers' compensation for the state's first responders…

A report from the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable found Delaware has met 61.3% of its goal of hiring school psychologists but has fallen far short on hiring school-based social workers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: DE makes strides bolstering school mental health

A new report showed Delaware is making strides in building its school mental health services. The report found the state has expanded its ratio of …

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound found in more than 200 species of mushrooms that has psychedelic effects, according to research by Oregon State University. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa considers broadening psilocybin use

The Iowa Legislature is weighing a measure to expand the use of psychedelic mushrooms to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental and emo…

A nationwide poll reveals that mental health is a priority for Americans, regardless of political party, with 90% of voters saying expanding mental-health care should be a priority for elected officials. (JenkoAtaman/Adobe Stock)

Report card: PA making steady improvements in student mental health

Pennsylvania is making progress in supporting youth mental health, according to a new report from Inseparable. The state now has about half the …

One poll finds a vast majority of Americans, regardless of political affiliation, support increased mental health services in schools. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD makes improvements in school mental health services

A new report finds that Maryland has made progress in providing school mental health services to its students but work still remains. The report by …

New Jersey only has half of the recommended minimum number of school social workers, and three-fourths of the recommended minimum number of school psychologists. (Adobe Stock)

NJ improves in school-based mental health policies

A new report finds that states like New Jersey have made progress in providing school mental health services to its students, but work still remains…

According to a 2024 report from Mental Health America, Wyoming ranked 51st in the nation for adult mental health and 28th for youth. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming K-12 mental-health coordination program nears expiration

Wyoming consistently ranks in the bottom 10 of all states on mental health indicators. COVID-era funding has helped provide resources but it is …

The report found Washington needs to almost double its number of school psychologists in order to meet the recommended minimum. (peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

WA investments in school mental-health services slowly helping

Washington has done well enacting some policies that improve school mental-health systems in the last year, while still falling short in other areas…

Illinois was one of the first states to implement annual mental health screenings in schools. (Adobe Stock)

IL school mental health investments leave gaps in provider ratios

Despite making major policy strides to strengthen school-based mental health services for Illinois students, a national report card showed the state …

Utah is meeting the nationally recommended standard for minimum number of school mental health staff, according to the mental health policy advocacy organization Inseparable. (Adobe Stock)

Report: UT fares well in offering school mental health resources

Utah has made investments in mental health resources for school-age children a priority and they appear to be working to help more kids in crisis…

Among Nebraska's 93 counties, 88 are designated mental health care provider shortage areas, according to the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska mental health advocates push back on funding cuts

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill to ensure managed health care companies cannot limit the state reimbursement rate for mental health service …

Colorado's I Matter program can connect students with a therapist for up to six free counseling sessions, which are completely confidential. (Adobe Stock)

Report card: Colorado making improvements in student mental health

Colorado has made significant improvements in connecting young people with the mental health care they need, according to the mental health advocacy …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, half of all serious mental health conditions begin by the age of 14 and 75% by age 24. (Adobe Stock)

Alaska lawmakers work to improve in-school mental health care

A new report card on in-school mental health services found some states, including Alaska, are making significant progress toward meeting policy …

Facilities are required to inform patients or residents that they may designate an advocate. (Adobe Stock)

'Never Alone Act' seeks to ensure patients have in-person advocates

By Lauren Cohen / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. When Derek Calkins …

Florida is one of 16 states not requiring annual mental health screenings in schools, according to the advocacy group Inseparable. (Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

Report: FL schools face mental-health staffing shortfalls

Florida schools still face critical mental health staffing shortages with less than 25% of needed psychologists in place, despite expanding …

Mushrooms and other psychotropic plants have been used in healing, spiritual and ceremonial contexts by cultures around the world for thousands of years. (Adobe Stock)

Psychedelic mushroom therapy has arrived in Colorado

By Kate Ruder for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service…

The National Library of Medicine reports that many schools are incorporating mental health awareness into their curricula to reduce stigma and help students recognize and manage emotions. (Rido/Adobe Stock)

School mental health report card highlights Michigan’s strengths and gaps

A national report card finds that even with a $150 million budget threat last year, Michigan still made solid progress in staffing up its school …

Bumblebee colonies have annual life cycles, according to the ZYWang Lab at the University of Washington, where researchers study natural social behavior changes in aging bees. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Impact of solitary confinement goes beyond psychological trauma

Imagine being locked in a cell for 23 hours a day, under constant artificial light, with no human contact for months or even years. This is the …

The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

In Pennsylvania, the Children's Health Insurance Program provides an option for children to receive health care. However, losing Medicaid coverage would leave many children across the state without insurance and unable to access the care they need. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Groups oppose Medicaid cuts threatening coverage for 3 million PA residents

In Pennsylvania and nationwide, federal safety net programs may face major cutbacks as President Donald Trump's administration pushes for budget …

Researchers in the ZYWang Lab at the University of Washington investigated how social isolation disrupts natural behavioral patterns. Their current work examines the neurological and physiological impacts of prolonged isolation with direct implications for understanding solitary confinement's effects on humans. (Pixabay/iira116)

Research: People suffer in solitary confinement as FL reforms sit idle

New research showed damage to Florida's 3,000 inmates in solitary confinement extends far beyond psychological trauma. Solitary, which often lasts …

Around 500 people gathered at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pa., for a town hall to discuss concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and Social Security. (Anna Gustafson)

PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

Uptown Community Health Center aims to continue the ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, which opened its first clinic to take care of the poor and vulnerable regardless of their ability to pay in the 19th century. (Photo by: Eric Galatas)

Denver's Uptown Community Health Center to continue historic service

Colorado now has 21 health providers treating patients regardless of their ability to pay, after Denver's Uptown Community Health Center won …

In 2024 alone, Ohio's rape crisis centers responded to more than 40,000 helpline calls and educated 95,000 Ohioans about sexual violence prevention efforts. (Talyr Ucker-Lauderman of OAESV)

Ohio advocacy day puts spotlight on sexual violence awareness

More than 100 people came to the Ohio Statehouse to mark National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month late last week. As part of the 13th …

The Indiana Chronic Care Policy Alliance reports that 367,000 Hoosiers have reported an unmet need for mental-health services. (Adobe Stock)

Few treatment options for IN residents with linked chronic pain, mental illness

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Stress is the body's way of processing work, personal, and family pressures, or other triggers. A new …

The Uplift Wisconsin warmline offers emotional support for people experiencing distress but not in immediate danger, different from a hotline designed for immediate crisis intervention and urgent support. (Adobe Stock)

'Uplift Wisconsin' to end service this week due to federal cuts

"Uplift Wisconsin" is just one of the latest casualties from a $210 million cut in federal health funds to the state. The "warmline" operates seven …

Transgender and nonbinary people say their lives are threatened in their home countries. In Mexico alone, according to data from Mexico's National Trans and Nonbinary Assembly, more than 55 trans people were killed last year, making it the second deadliest country in the world for trans people, after Brazil. (Kromstar Studios/Adobe Stock)

U.S. immigration policy leaves trans migrants at TX-Mexico border in limbo

By Chantal Flores for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

A 2023 CDC study found 72% of transgender students and 69% of questioning students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's new law: What it means for educators, LGBTQ+ students

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio’s House …

Kyan Higgins Jr, a 10-year-old boy and victim of child abuse who lived in Louisville, Ky. Animal Control officers visited his home 24 times in the 18 months leading up to his death. (Kentucky Youth Advocates)<br />

KY bill would equip animal control officers to spot signs of child abuse

A proposed Kentucky law would require animal control officers statewide to undergo training on identifying and reporting child abuse. Kyan's Law is …

At the current rate, there will be eight replacement health care job openings for every one new job added by 2033. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

OR health care professionals have cure for dwindling workforce

Oregon does not have enough health care workers and the need continues to grow. Service Employees International Union Local 49 members said …

Medicaid is jointly funded by the federal government and individual states, with each state managing its own program within federal guidelines. (Oleksandre/Adobe Stock)

Nonprofits warn proposed Medicaid cuts could devastate millions of Missourians

About 1.3 million Missourians are currently enrolled in Medicaid and nonprofits around the state have warned proposed federal cuts would be devastatin…

Cuts to Medicaid are one way Congress could pay for extending tax cuts passed in 2017. It is estimated two-thirds of the benefits of the extension would go to the wealthiest 20% of Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

To pay for the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration, like mass deportations and tax cuts, Republicans in Congress are considering …

More than 200,000 state employees in West Virginia rely on the Public Employees Insurance Agency for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Most WV voters oppose privatizing Public Employees Insurance Agency

More than 70% of West Virginians polled said they opposed privatizing or abolishing the state's health insurance agency for public employees…

The first International Transgender Day of Visibility was held on March 31, 2009. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Trans Texans call for recognition on Trans Day of Visibility

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day set aside to recognize the contributions of transgender people and raise awareness of discrimination …

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported almost 3% of Hoosier teens age 12-17 abuse pain relievers. (Adobe Stock)

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

Hoosier teens are nearly 3% more likely to have used cocaine, methamphetamines or heroin than other teens nationwide, according to the National …

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 50% of Tennessee adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment or care in 2022. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

NAMI Tennessee to rally for Day on the Hill for mental-health care

Tennessee advocates are gathering at the state Capitol Wednesday to urge lawmakers to prioritize mental health funding and policies to strengthen fami…

A fear of miss�ing out, and social pres�sure and expectations, are among the most significant drivers among teens 13 to 17 using social media, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska grad students help teens navigate social media

Graduate students at the University of Nebraska are creating lessons plans for middle and high school students to help them navigate the social media …

One in five Americans, or more than 70 million people, rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the American Hospital Association. (Adobe Stock)

KY Medicaid work requirement changes could further depress communities

Some Kentucky lawmakers want to make it mandatory for some Medicaid participants in Kentucky to work, but experts say that would disproportionately …

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, established by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, provides free, confidential support to individuals in mental health crises. (Pixabay)

MS urged to reform mental health system to reduce jail overcrowding

As Mississippi grapples with a growing mental health crisis, state and local leaders are being urged to prioritize diversion programs and crisis care …

Research shows students' sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment in school and is protective for mental health. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

As the immigration debate continues, many children of immigrants in Texas who are American citizens are caught in the middle. An elementary school …

Data show integrating community health workers into the health care system creates more cost-effective and sustainable care. (buritora/Adobe Stock)

OR community health workers get a boost from tech

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Isobel Charle for Oregon News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Servic…

Nationally, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than are nonveteran adults, with an average of almost 18 veteran suicides per day in 2021. (flysnow/Adobe Stock)

MI war veteran helps fellow vets access lifesaving resources

Michigan is home to more than 470,000 veterans, yet many have never accessed the military benefits to which they are entitled. The gap in support …

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Mental Health

GOP budget cuts to Medicaid could fray NM's safety net

Hope and healing in Ohio's foster system

Legislative hearing today on bill to extend End of Life Option Act

Advocates warn proposed cuts to Medi-Cal will cripple school budgets

West Virginia Senators push Medicaid cuts

Springtime can worsen depression, expert says

Montana bill could cover PTSD treatment for first responders

Report: DE makes strides bolstering school mental health

Iowa considers broadening psilocybin use

Report card: PA making steady improvements in student mental health

Report: MD makes improvements in school mental health services

NJ improves in school-based mental health policies

Wyoming K-12 mental-health coordination program nears expiration

WA investments in school mental-health services slowly helping

IL school mental health investments leave gaps in provider ratios

Report: UT fares well in offering school mental health resources

Nebraska mental health advocates push back on funding cuts

Report card: Colorado making improvements in student mental health

Alaska lawmakers work to improve in-school mental health care

'Never Alone Act' seeks to ensure patients have in-person advocates

Report: FL schools face mental-health staffing shortfalls

Psychedelic mushroom therapy has arrived in Colorado

School mental health report card highlights Michigan’s strengths and gaps

Impact of solitary confinement goes beyond psychological trauma

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

Groups oppose Medicaid cuts threatening coverage for 3 million PA residents

Research: People suffer in solitary confinement as FL reforms sit idle

PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

Denver's Uptown Community Health Center to continue historic service

Ohio advocacy day puts spotlight on sexual violence awareness

Few treatment options for IN residents with linked chronic pain, mental illness

'Uplift Wisconsin' to end service this week due to federal cuts

U.S. immigration policy leaves trans migrants at TX-Mexico border in limbo

Ohio's new law: What it means for educators, LGBTQ+ students

KY bill would equip animal control officers to spot signs of child abuse

OR health care professionals have cure for dwindling workforce

Nonprofits warn proposed Medicaid cuts could devastate millions of Missourians

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

Poll: Most WV voters oppose privatizing Public Employees Insurance Agency

Trans Texans call for recognition on Trans Day of Visibility

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

NAMI Tennessee to rally for Day on the Hill for mental-health care

Nebraska grad students help teens navigate social media

KY Medicaid work requirement changes could further depress communities

MS urged to reform mental health system to reduce jail overcrowding

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

OR community health workers get a boost from tech

MI war veteran helps fellow vets access lifesaving resources