Schools play a crucial role in young people's mental health, something that became extremely clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, in 2021, 37% of high school students reported they experienced poor mental health, and 44% reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year. Schools provide connectedness to mentors, friends, and services. At the same time, they can also be sites of difficulty in the form of bullying or stress from learning obstacles.

In this conversation, we learn more about research and resources available in our area, including the work of the newly formed Iowa Center for School Mental Health.

Panelists:
• Allison Bruhn, Executive Director, Iowa Center for School Mental Health
• Maithreyi Gopalan, Assistant Professor, Education & Public Policy, Penn State University
• Lindsey Schluckebier, Curriculum Coordinator: K-12 Counseling & Health, Iowa City Community Schools
• Shannon Lea Watkins, Assistant Professor, Community & Behavioral Health

Co-sponsored by the Iowa City Public Library and the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies.