NIHCM Provides New Data on the Impact of COVID-19 for Young People

New data from the National Institute for Health Care Management provides new insight into the solutions and challenges for children’s mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The share of mental health related emergency department visits increased dramatically during the height of the pandemic - 24% for children ages 5-11 years and 31% for children ages 12-17 years among all pediatric visits between mid-March and October 2020 versus prior years. While the pandemic’s many stressors, including uncertainty, social isolation and familial challenges and economic instability combined with barriers to care such as lack of internet and fewer mental health screenings due to school closures, there are a number of strategies to support our youth and prevent suicide.

The NIHCM notes that intentional, targeted interventions can help support at risk youth. School education programs, crisis centers with call and text opportunities, improved media portrayals and positive adult and child relationships can all play a part in helping young people live healthy and productive lives. LifeAct is proud to play a role in this with our in-school programming to middle and high school students, which provides early identification and intervention to those students who need it. You can learn more about the NIHCM data insights by checking out the infographics below: