St. Johns County is home to multiple organizations that are collaborating to address the mental health and behavioral needs of the community. Through various methods such as focus groups, summits, and anonymous surveys, both adults and children are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings honestly.
One such organization is INK, which supports students and teachers in St. Johns County. Cathy Newman from INK emphasized the importance of gathering community feedback to determine the most effective strategies moving forward. This sentiment was echoed by other participating groups, including the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, Investing in Kids, and the Area Behavioral Health Consortium.
The surveys were designed for adults and children aged 10 to 17, with questions probing into individuals’ experiences with seeking mental health or substance abuse services in the past year. The assessment aimed to identify the most pressing needs within the community.
Newman highlighted the significance of directly involving children in the survey process, as their experiences and perspectives are essential in shaping the services provided. By collecting this data, the participating groups hope to tailor their offerings to better meet the needs of the community. This initiative comes as a response to
