The pervasiveness of mental health issues and child suicide rates leads Oregon to rank as the worst state in the country for mental illness. And the state’s lack of child psychiatrists and school counselors leaves families waiting for months to get help.
This significantly reduces students’ odds of completing their education, ending up unemployed and adding long-term financial impact on the communities where they live.
But more subtle effects are felt, too, such as the persistent stigma associated with asking for help with mental health.
Though schools aren’t fully equipped to handle intense, mental health issues, some Oregon districts are starting to develop ways to bring services to students.
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Natalie Pate 