Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is taking decisive action to address the mental health crisis in the city. In collaboration with the Boston Public Schools and the Boston Public Health Commission, her administration has announced a $21 million initiative to fund mental and behavioral health programs and services for the city’s youth and families. This initiative aims to provide much-needed support for those struggling with mental health issues.
The funding announcement came at a time when the “Health of Boston” report was released, shedding light on the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among city residents, especially young people. The report includes data from a CDC survey showing 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 certain demographic groups experiencing even higher rates of mental health challenges.
Dr. Kevin Simon, the chief behavioral health officer of the Boston Public Health Commission, and Kristan Bagley-Jones, the director of the Children’s Wellness Initiative at Franciscan Children’s Hospital, recently discussed the importance of addressing this critical health challenge on @Issue. Their collaboration and efforts are crucial in supporting the mental well-being of Boston’s residents, especially the youth.
