Boston Takes Action: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Our City

Boston Public Health Commission Chief Behavioral Health Officer Dr. Kevin Simon and Franciscan Children’s Hospital Director of the Children’s Wellness Initiative Kristan Bagley-Jones recently discussed the critical importance of addressing the mental health crisis in the city on the @Issue program with Matt Prichard and Sue O’Connell.

Their conversation came as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration announced a $21 million initiative to address this issue, in partnership with the Boston Public Schools and the Boston Public Health Commission. This initiative aims to fund mental and behavioral health programs and services to support the city’s youth and families.

According to a recent report by the city, data from a CDC survey revealed that in 2021, 44% of Boston public high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more. This is a significant increase from 27% in 2015, with even higher rates observed among female, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ students. This concerning rise in mental health issues among city residents highlights the need for immediate action.

Dr. Simon emphasized that tackling this challenge requires collaboration between different stakeholders, including schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies. He also highlighted the importance of early intervention and prevention efforts to identify at-risk individuals and provide them with appropriate support before they develop more serious mental health issues.

Bagley-Jones added that providing accessible mental health services is crucial for promoting overall wellness and reducing healthcare costs associated with untreated mental illnesses. She emphasized that this initiative will help bridge gaps in care for underserved populations and ensure that everyone has access to quality mental health care regardless of their background or resources.

Overall, this initiative represents a critical step towards addressing the mental health crisis in Boston and supporting its youth and families. The collaboration between different stakeholders is essential for creating lasting change and improving outcomes for all residents of our great city.