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On Our Sleeves gives adults materials to start conversations with children and teens, break stigmas and prevent mental health crisis.
To address the growing children’s mental health crisis by promoting wellness and early intervention, BayCare Kids is bringing On Our Sleeves, a national movement for children’s mental health, to West Central Florida.
On Our Sleeves is based upon a simple concept: children don’t wear their thoughts on their sleeves. It can be hard to tell when they are struggling with mental health. On Our Sleeves provides free, easy-to-use educational tools and resources to help parents and caregivers start conversations, boost mental well-being and break stigmas associated with children’s mental health. Each of the icons featured in On Our Sleeves’ materials represents a thought or feeling that can spark a conversation.
“Families today need all the support they can get,” said Dr. Christine Canody, medical director of BayCare’s Pediatric Service Line. “We’re providing tools and resources to help adults better understand their child’s mental health before it becomes an emergency.”
Nationally, one in five children is living with a significant mental illness, and half of all lifetime mental health concerns start by age 14. To address the need for accessible resources, Nationwide Children’s in Columbus, Ohio, launched On Our Sleeves in 2018. Since then, their free, evidenced-informed educational resources have reached more than 2 million people.
“BayCare is a proud partner in this effort to break stigmas and start conversation,” said Lisa Bell, director of community benefit for the health system. “As the largest provider of behavioral health services in the region, we want to support parents, grandparents, teachers, physicians and all who are committed to caring for our youth.”
There are several ways to get involved.
Visit BayCareKidsOnOurSleeves.org to:
• Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, featuring actionable, timely mental health information
• Download tips and tools to help facilitate conversations with kids and teens
• Learn how to recognize and respond to children in or at risk of crisis
”As a pediatrician I hear directly from parents who are concerned about their children’s wellbeing,” Dr. Canody said. “Our goal is to ensure every family has access to these valuable resources. From conversation starter ideas to mental health resources at BayCare and in the community, BayCare Kids On Our Sleeves has something to offer anyone closely involved in the next generation.”
BayCare Kids