Mental Health / Public News Service

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

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

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)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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 missing out, and social pressure 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)

Monday, March 24, 2025

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)

Monday, March 24, 2025

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 …

More than 15 million buprenorphine prescriptions were issued in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky proposes changes to buprenorphine prescribing, dispensing rules

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure recently proposed new changes to regulations around the prescribing and dispensing of buprenorphine, also …

HBCUs significantly contribute to the national economy. In 2024, the United Negro College Fund reported that HBCUs had a $16.5 billion positive impact. (AS Photo Family/Adobe Stock)

MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that Black students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Blac…

Family caregivers spend on average more than $7,200 annually - 26% of their income - on out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

In a significant development for family caregivers across America, AARP is spearheading initiatives at both federal and state levels to provide tax …

According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Indiana Youth Institute, suicide is among the top three causes of death for kids ages 10-19. (Adobe Stock)

Adding supports for IN teens with mental health challenges

Diagnoses of mental health conditions in children and teens are on the rise, including in Indiana. But getting kids the help they need can be a …

The latest data from Open Sky Policy Institute show more than 182,000 Nebraska children are enrolled in Medicaid and other social service safety net programs. (Adobe Stock)

NE mental health providers warn Medicaid cuts would 'reverse progress'

Nebraska mental health professionals worry the Trump administration's proposed $880 billion in Medicaid funding cuts would threaten progress the state…

When it comes to solutions to address non-medical factors for those facing the most barriers to good health, 70% of Texans said it was

High cost of health care negatively affects many Texans

Almost two-thirds of Texans have skipped or postponed some form of health care in the past year because of cost. That's according to a survey by …

A governor's office spokesperson said the Indiana Department of Health will push back on birth certificate changes after this week's executive order. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana limits gender identity recognition, college sports participation

Executive orders have been issued by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun that restrict state funds from promoting gender identity and ban transgender women from …

Colorado's 20 Community Health Centers provide primary care to 857,000 patients, employ over 7,500 people and contribute $1.7 billion to the state's economy each year. (Adobe Stock)

Cuts to Medicaid considered to extend Trump's 2017 tax cuts

The budget resolution recently passed by the U.S. House calls for cutting $2 trillion in government spending to extend tax cuts passed during the …

The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill to require all Texas prisons to have air conditioning by 2029 but the prison system only has to comply if the state provides the funding. (pict rider/Adobe Stock)

Faith leaders call out inhumane heat conditions in TX prisons

Only 30% of prisons in Texas have central air conditioning and faith leaders and advocates for those incarcerated are raising concerns about inhumane …

Notably, one poll found nearly half of people who hold anti-abortion views are supportive of medical aid-in-dying legislation. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade

Advocates are urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would approve medical aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. A poll last …

In the short time that AllHealth Network's Violence Prevention Team has been at work, it has investigated and intervened in ten reported cases, and has seen an increase in referrals and requests for trainings. (Adobe Stock)

Trainings help communities recognize signs of potential targeted violence

The U.S. had more than 500 mass shootings last year, and a new program launched in Denver hopes to prevent targeted violence before it happens…

Efforts to take law enforcement out of transportation for mental health patients is part of a broader effort to change North Carolina's behavior health system. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

NC moving away from police transporting people in mental health crisis

North Carolina is investing $20 million to move the transportation of people experiencing mental health crisis away from the responsibility of law enf…

Illinois founded the first juvenile court more than 100 years ago on the premise children in conflict with the law should be treated separate and distinct from adults. Katherine Buchanan with the Illinois Juvenile Justice Initiative said today, many children are jailed for offenses adults would not be jailed for. (Adobe Stock)

IL report calls for juvenile-justice reform; proposed bill would initiate

A recent report is highlighting the need for a complete overhaul of the Illinois juvenile justice system. It called for a renewed rehabilitative …

The Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use was established by the Florida Legislature in 2021 to address the state's growing mental health and substance-use disorder crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Florida commission urges statewide mental-health data repository

As Florida's legislative session begins on Tuesday, the Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use is urging lawmakers to prioritize the …

For many in Alaska, a trip to the doctor can mean an airplane or boat ride. Medicaid plays a significant role in making sure rural Alaskans have transportation for health care. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts could hurt low-income Alaskans, damage health care system

Experts said Medicaid cuts proposed in next year's federal budget could hurt almost 250,000 Alaskans and threaten thousands of jobs in the state's hea…

Ohio is home to more than 83,000 federal employees. All of them reportedly recently received an email from the Office of Personnel Management, asking for details on what they accomplish at work. (Tony Webster/Wikimedia Commons)

DOGE, OPM demands shake up federal workers in OH and beyond

The federal workforce in Ohio numbers more than 83,000 and many say they're reeling after weeks of job cuts and a demand from Elon Musk, his …

The Trump administration is mandating many federal employees work in the office full-time, which puts remote workers who live in rural Wisconsin, far from their office buildings, at risk. (Adobe Stock). <br />

As federal cuts hit Wisconsinites, one group pitches in to help

Communities in Wisconsin are feeling the widespread effects of federal cuts and some organizations are pitching in to help those who have experienced …

Transportation is the most common expense Connecticut family caregivers incur, with 88% noting it has happened to them. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT supports tax credit for unpaid family caregivers

New research found most Connecticut residents support creating a family caregiver tax credit. The state has 420,000 family caregivers, providing a …

In 2024, U.S. drug overdose deaths fell 3%, the first decrease since 2018. (fotomaximum/Adobe Stock)

MO expert discusses state's first drop in overdose deaths in decade

Late last year, Missouri recorded its first significant drop in overdose deaths since 2015 - primarily due to increased access to naloxone, also …

More than 20% of Washington state's population gets health coverage through Medicaid. (winnievinzence/Adobe Stock)

Nurse practitioner: Medicaid cuts could 'devastate' WA patients, providers

Proposed Medicaid cuts could seriously affect Washington hospitals and health care workers. President Donald Trump and House Republicans are …

Chronic pain costs Americans billions of dollars in missed work and loss of productivity. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Marylanders suffering from chronic pain

Just a few weeks ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved Journavix, a new non-opioid painkiller. It's seen as good news for the nearly one …

Many community health centers offer mental health services to help children cope with stress related to immigration enforcement. (Oksana/Adobe Stock)

CA children’s advocates speak out against impending immigration raids

California is bracing for large-scale immigration raids - and groups that advocate for children are speaking out against the climate of fear…

Research shows when it comes to coping with winter, Americans say staying connected helps the most - 46% turn to friends and family, while 35% rely on extra sleep or getting outdoors. (Carlos David/Adobe Stock)

How Georgians can beat the 'winter blues'

As the temperatures drop, some Georgians are feeling more than just the winter chill. Nearly 40% of Americans experience the seasonal mood changes …

In 2023, suicides accounted for 55% of gun-related deaths in the United States, the highest percentage recorded since at least 1979. (Adobe Stock)

AL Senate advances bill to help veterans facing mental health struggles

The Alabama Senate has passed a bill which would give gun owners struggling with mental health challenges the option to voluntarily surrender their fi…

An American Psychiatric Association survey found more women than men said their mood declined in winter; 33% of women said it was bad for their mental health, compared to 26% of men. (Adobe Stock)

Wintry months may prompt seasonal depression among NYers

New York's snowy winter could trigger what experts now know as seasonal affective disorder. More than 1 million New Yorkers suffer from it during …

Lack of exposure to sunlight is believed to be one cause of seasonal affective disorder, most prevalent in winter. It tends to affect women more than men, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

Mental health professionals help Iowans overcome winter doldrums

With wintertime cold still gripping much of the nation, health experts are offering ways to overcome seasonal depression, which can accompany bitter …

A recent University of Nebraska poll found 12% of people spend a month or more feeling depressed during the winter months, characterized by long, dark days often accompanied by bitter cold temperatures. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraskans take on wintertime doldrums with mental health professionals

With wintertime cold still gripping much of the nation, health experts are offering ways to overcome seasonal depression, which can accompany bitter …

The risk of suffering from seasonal affective disorder tends to decrease with age, although older adults can still develop it. (Adobe stock)

Experts urge Hoosiers to act on seasonal depression

Spring's arrival is less than 30 days away and for many in Indiana, the end of winter cannot arrive soon enough. Many Hoosiers combat what may be …

Columbus police reported more than 800 felony domestic-violence incidents in the city last year. (Pascal Huot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio's domestic-violence advocates struggle amid DeWine's proposed budget

Gov. Mike DeWine's recently released biennial budget keeps funding for domestic violence services at $20 million, maintaining the same level as the …

Studies show about 5% of adults in the U.S. experience seasonal affective disorder, in which people encounter mood changes and symptoms similar to depression. (Adobe Stock)

Health experts advise sunshine, sports, socializing to beat 'winter blues'

Ohioans may find mid- to late-winter challenging due to short days, cold weather, and postholiday letdowns and they are not alone. The American …

Assal Habibi has done extensive research on how musical training is beneficial for brain development. (Gus Ruelas/USC Photo)<br />

Arts educators reach out after L.A. fire disaster

Music lessons. A trip to the theater. Experiences like these can help students recover from cataclysmic natural disasters like the LA fires, …

Exposure to early morning sun in particular can help with seasonal affective disorder.(Antonioguillem/Adobe Stock)

Even in sunny California, "wintertime blues" can wreak havoc

Studies show about 40% of Americans report feeling the wintertime blues, and about 2% to 3% experience the more severe seasonal affective disorder…

Research shows community involvement is key to decreasing absenteeism. Mayors, employers and other community leaders can help students recover. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Report: AR students still struggle with COVID-19 learning loss

Arkansas ranks 23rd among states in terms of the change in math achievement between 2019 and 2024, and 19th in reading, according to the Education …

As winter drags on, 40% of Americans report feeling down, with 41% sleeping more, 28% feeling fatigued, and 27% feeling depressed, according to the American Psychiatric Association. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Tips for beating winter blues in Alabama

Winter's chill is not just outside, it is affecting moods, too. Nearly four in 10 Americans report feeling gloomier in the colder months but experts …

Nearly two-thirds of adults in a recent study noted behavioral changes during the winter months. (Adobe Stock)

How Virginians can combat wintertime blues

Some people may feel more fatigued during the winter months, when the days are short and sunlight is in short supply - and that's common. People …

Women, young adults and those with a family history of depression tend to experience seasonal affective disorder at higher rates. (Adobe Stock)

‘Winter blues’ peak in Illinois as colder temps hit

If the cold weather and snow have got you down and feeling like there's no end in sight, you are not alone. Nationwide, up to 6% of the population …

Daily sunlight exposure can boost a person's internal vitamin D production. However, factors such as skin tone, location, weather, time of year and time of day can all influence how much you produce. (Catahula/Adobe Stock)

Experts: Outdoor activities may help beat winter blues, SAD

As winter drags on and more snow showers are expected this week, many Tennesseans face what is known as seasonal affective disorder, a type of …

Research found seasonal affective disorder is more common in women and those living in northern regions with long winters. (Maridav/Adobe Stock)

Tips for beating Michigan's winter blues

Michigan winters can be harsh, even for those who love the season's cozy ambience but experts said there are ways to beat the winter blues, which …

Researchers have found that 40% of Americans report mood declines during the winter. Those feelings can translate into changes in behavior, with some people sleeping more, feeling fatigued and experiencing depression. (Adobe Stock)

Showing serious cases of winter blues the door

Minnesota is in the depths of extremely cold and occasionally snowy weather this February. These familiar winter conditions might have some feeling …

Younger people and women are at higher risk to experience seasonal affective disorder, according to the American Psychiatric Association. (Adobe Stock)

Experts share advice for Nevadans feeling wintertime blues

As the seasons change, so do Nevadans' internal clocks, leading some to be out-of-step with their daily routines. At least 5% of adults in the …

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