Oxford County Wellness Collaborative Hosts Fall Gathering to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis
PARIS — The Oxford County Wellness Collaborative will be hosting its Fall Gathering on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the community room of the Paris Fire Department. The event aims to address the pressing issue of youth mental health and will bring together various local youth-serving programs and organizations. The gathering will provide an opportunity for these groups to share their important work and ways in which the community can support local young people. The event is open to the public and free of charge, but interested individuals are encouraged to register in advance by calling 744-6191 or emailing brendan.schauffler@mainehealth.org.
The U.S. Surgeon General has referred to the decline in youth mental health as the crisis of our time. This concern is echoed by organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association, who have jointly declared a national state of emergency for children’s mental health.
Maine, in particular, has faced alarming figures related to youth mental health. In 2019, the state reported the highest rates of diagnosed anxiety in the nation among its youth, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count Data Book. Though Maine has since moved from the top position, it still has one of the highest rates of children ever diagnosed with anxiety or depression in the country.
Locally, the rates of depression among middle school and high school students in Oxford County are slightly above the state averages. Data from the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey has shown a steady increase in depression among high school students since 2009. The same data also reveals a concerning rise in students considering suicide, with female and LGBTQ students being particularly affected. Clearly, Oxford County’s young people are grappling with significant challenges to their mental health.
However, despite the troubling scenario, there are several organizations and programs within the county that are actively working to support positive youth development and mental health. The Oxford County Wellness Collaborative recognizes the interest and willingness of caring adults in the community to step up and support young people, and thus, the Fall Gathering aims to address this concern head-on.
During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the work of various groups across the county and ways in which they can volunteer their time and talents to support young people. The Collaborative warmly welcomes all members of the public to attend the gathering. A complimentary meal will be provided, and onsite childcare will be available. Transportation assistance is also available for those in need.
For more information about the Collaborative or to register for the Nov. 15 event, interested individuals can contact Brendan Schauffler at 744-6191. Additionally, the Oxford County Wellness Collaborative’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/oxfordcwc, offers further information.
