Mental Health
How one school's cell phone ban is going after two years
A cell phone ban at an Oregon high school has led to students being more focused, more engaged and talking to each other more.
As AI in mental health evolves, one states wants to regulate it while encouraging innovation
The Utah Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy is exploring best practices and potential pitfalls in the technology.
Governments are pushing teen social media bans – but behind the scenes is a messy fight over science
Jonathan Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation has set governments against teen social media – and triggered a months-long debate among experts.
Will Mississippi schools join the cellphone ban bandwagon?
A Mississippi lawmaker is already crafting a bill to ban cellphones in classrooms, but how would it play out?
Computer programs monitor students’ every word in the name of safety
Companies tout security features; privacy advocates dislike constant surveillance.
Woman’s suicide after repeated 911 calls reveals gaps in one city's pioneering crisis response system
Public health departments can tell you how many people they've referred for help and, possibly even, how many people have sought that help. But in Bend, Oregon, officials say it is harder to know how much of a difference the crisis response teams are making in actually saving lives.
FCC to vote on routing 988, crisis callers directly to local resources
Proponents of georouting 988 calls say it is especially important given the transient nature of many areas, including major cities.
Suicide rates for young Americans are increasing. Here’s what states are doing about it.
A $68 million federal grant program announced last week during Suicide Prevention Month will help support state programs aimed at solving the youth mental health crisis.
Study finds prevalence of firearms is driving soaring gun deaths in U.S.—not mental illness
Researchers compared the U.S. to 40 countries and found that Americans are 20 times more likely to die by firearms, even with a similar rate of mental health illness.
Community colleges step up to address young adults’ mental health
Young people feel uneasy about the future. But educational institutions are stepping up to give them the tools they need.
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Surgeon general says minors’ social media use is causing parental stress
Over the past two years, states have passed dozens of laws to protect young people from the worst of the platforms. Here’s how they’ve done it.
Few states require foster homes to respect LGBTQ youths' identities
The lack of explicit anti-discrimination policies around gender and sexuality can have dire consequences for children and teens, advocates say.
How cities are rethinking who responds to 911 calls
Big cities have largely embraced so-called alternative response teams that send trained health care professionals in the place of law enforcement to handle low-risk situations. Now, the approach is moving to smaller jurisdictions.
Older adults want to age in place. Current policies don’t make it easy.
More opportunities for social events and accessible health services are a top priority for older adults, a new survey finds.
The fittest cities in America: See how yours compares
City officials have an important role to play in ensuring the well-being of their communities. Here’s how they can address resident health through policy and resources.
At two-year mark, federal funding for 988 is running dry. Enter phone fees.
Only 10 states have identified permanent funding for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in their communities. Experts say a surcharge can help policymakers keep pace with the growing mental health crisis.
A $15M grant program looks to improve maternal mental, behavioral health
Pregnant people are at a heightened risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders, which is why the federal government is investing in a program to improve health care for new parents amid a maternal health crisis.
Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines
America is facing a shortage of social workers and other mental health providers.
Bans on gender-affirming care have 'chilling effect'
The number of state laws restricting LGBTQ rights is on the rise, experts say. The trend could worsen transgender individuals' access to mental and physical health care and exacerbate discrimination.
City tackles first responders’ opioid compassion fatigue
When physically and emotionally exhausted emergency personnel started saying, “Let them die,” officials in Huntington, West Virginia, knew they had a problem. They also had a solution.
