FORT WAYNE, Ind. – “Unfortunately, we’re dealing with a national crisis in adolescent mental health,” said Gil Peri, president of Riley Children’s Health. “Unfortunately, one in five kids has a mental health condition they’re living with today.”
It’s that kind of heartbreaking statistic that’s motivating Indiana health officials to try to solve the youth mental health crisis.
Leaders at Riley Children’s Health are doing their part through a statewide program to help young people.
“We know we can do better as a state, and I’m really optimistic that we can,” Peri said.
Part of that programme includes the screening of a documentary called “Racing to Respond”, which features two Hoosier families who’ve been touched by the crisis.
Leaders say a key takeaway for parents is to pay attention to their child’s feelings.
“I think the most important thing as a parent is to listen and hear what’s really being said,” said Elaine Cox of Riley Children’s Health.
Riley officials add that we must all work to create a better system to support Hoosier children.
“We’re able to identify barriers and what we’re going to do differently as a state to improve our support for these kids,” Peri said.
