Children's Mental Health Discussion Recording and Resources
Thank you to everyone who attended the Children's Mental Health Discussion on Monday at ECHN Manchester Memorial Hospital, whether it was in-person or virtually on Zoom and Facebook Live.
I also want to offer my appreciation to the panel of legislators and experts — State Sen. Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) and State Rep. Liz Linehan (D-Cheshire), Ann Turkington of ECHN, Kathy Schiessl of CHR Manchester and Heather Wlochowski of Manchester Youth Services — who delivered an excellent discussion devoid of rhetoric and replete with resources.
If you were unable to join us, or want to refer back to something that was discussed, a recording of the discussion is available below:
I also want to make some of the resources discussed available to you as well, which include:
- A downloadable booklet that has practical advice for parents of children who are depressed, anxious, suicidal and engaging in self-harm
- A link to HB 5001, which seeks to expand access to telehealth, improve emergency response calls and support more school-based care among other policy remedies geared toward children and families
Additionally, Sen. Anwar and Rep. Linehan made several short videos on a variety of topics for parents:
ECCs - https://youtu.be/dN8hcGe7Has
Mobile Crisis - https://youtu.be/At2Cye-RCDE
LGBTQ+ - https://youtu.be/5pq-j5dZgxw
Self-Care - https://youtu.be/AHtGtztLfHs
Schools - https://youtu.be/HuZGN_4ULIk
Self-Harm - https://youtu.be/uefqNE5gQm4
There are also a number of hotlines below to obtain mental health services:
- For children ages 18 and younger, call 2-1-1 for mental health emergencies and state resources
- Adults in distress, 18 years of age or older, can call 800-HOPE-135 (800-467-3135), which is available 24/7, 365 days a year, or call 2-1-1
- National Suicide Prevention: 800-273-8255
- Help with health care & insurance through the Office of Healthcare Advocate: 866-466-4446
- Trouble with DCF, DSS, DMHAS? Call me directly at 860-335-2023