Why are we not providing training on Youth Mental Health First Aid to first-line direct service providers? Who interacts with youth the most - A+ leaders, After School All Stars leaders, teachers, AYSO and i9 coaches, pediatric medical assistants, etc (as well as parents). If there's a comprehensive training program to get them up to speed on how to recognize the warning signs of mental illness and intervene swiftly, why are we not shouting it from the rooftops? Youth Mental Health First Aid training is available, and I believe DOE has multiple trainers. Why isn't this training offered on a weekly basis to the public?

In addition, we need to start valuing our lower-level mental health providers. Kids with depression don't necessarily need a psychiatrist off the bat. We have a ton of licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists. Are we utilizing them effectively, or are we sending kids straight to the highest level?