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Student Mental Health Matters News Reports

Student Mental Health Matters

Public media stations across New York state are collaborating to create a teacher professional development toolkit to improve student mental health. Using PBS Learning Media, teachers will better understand and address self-harm among students. To further raise awareness, public media journalists are focusing coverage on the topic as well. Funding for this program is provided in part by the New York State Education Department.

More local news stories:

  • Fairport High School.
    Fairport teens will start classes later as of 2026-27 school year Noelle E. C. Evans, September 18, 2024Teens soon will get more time to sleep in on school days in Fairport as a districtwide shift in start times is on the horizon. LISTEN • 1:25
  • Seventh graders, Nyzae Collins, Justin Goings and Kencedrick Wright hed to their first day of sventh grade Thursday, September 5, at the new Loretta Johnson Middle School, on Genesee Street.
    RCSD’s Ruth Turner: ROC Restorative H.U.B serves hundreds of Rochester students, September 13, 2024 Rochester city schools are putting more energy behind an alternative center for conflict resolution, and a “hub” of mediators is shaping a new district-wide approach to violence prevention.
  • Five smiling people wearing headphones sit in a radio talk studio: a woman front left is wearing a black hat, sunglasses, a grey t-shirt, a long necklace, and a black sweater; a woman front center has long dark hair and is wearing a grey sweater, a white shirt, shorts, and white shoes; a woman back left is wearing a black headwrap, glasses, and a multi-colored shirt; a young man back right has short dark hair and is wearing a grey t-shirt and a chain; a man at right has short dark hair and is wearing a black button-down shirt, jeans, and brown shoes
    Connections How to best support students’ mental and emotional health as the school year begins Connections with Evan Dawson” on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, we speak with students about the decline in youth mental health and the types of support adults can provide. LISTEN • 51:05
  • School security Timothey Harris hugs twins Aniyah and Saniyah Penn on the first day of school for the Rochester City School District on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the new Loretta Johnson Middle School on Genesee Street. The Penn sisters are in eighth grade.
    Rochester City School District opens new middle schools and confronts familiar challenges-Noelle E. C. Evans, September 5, 2024This week marked the return of students across the region. Thursday was particularly noteworthy in Rochester as one of the largest reconfigurations in the City School District’s history meant hundreds of students were starting the year at a new school. LISTEN • 4:14
  • –Kindergarthen teacher, Gina Mills, hugs her studnets, Marrion Daniels, as students arrive at Roberto Clemente School No. 8, in Rochester on the first day of classes for the city school district.
    Rochester leaders urge parents to step up for youth emotional health–Noelle E. C. Evans, September 4, 2024Rochester city officials and mental health advocates are calling on parents and caregivers to build deeper connections with their children this school year. LISTEN • 1:36
  • State Sen. Samra Brouk, left, and host Evan Dawson on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
    Connections: State Sen. Samra Brouk on mental health-Evan Dawson, “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, we welcome state Sen. Samra Brouk for a discussion on her plans to address mental health issues for people of color. LISTEN • 51:31
  • Stone steps lead up to the main courtyard on the University of Rochester campus, with the Rush Rhees Library in the background.
    A state law could change the look of college IDs in New York for the sake of mental healthNoelle E. C. Evans-, July 18, 2024 Could a simple set of three digits on New York college student IDs save lives? LISTEN • 3:23
  • Four smiling people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: A woman front left has shoulder-length dirty blonde hair and is wearing glasses and a grey top; a woman front right has short dark curly hair and is wearing glasses and a black and white striped dress; a man back left has short brown hair, a brown beard and mustache, and is wearing glasses and a blue polo shirt; a woman front right has long brown hair and is wearing a blue floral blouse and light blue sweater
    Connections: How a new pediatric urgent care is expected to address the mental health needs of local youthEvan Dawson, On “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Thursday, May 16, 2024, our guests discuss the state of pediatric mental health care in the region and how they think a new urgent care opening in July will help bridge gaps in treatment. LISTEN • 51:36
  • Three smiling people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio. A woman at left has short black hair and is wearing a patterned back and white sweater and a maroon t-shirt; a man at center has shoulder-length black hair and is wearing a black sweatshirt; a man at right has short dark hair and is wearing a blue hoodie with white text that says "WXXI"
    Connections: Examining youth mental health in the pandemic era-Evan Dawson, On “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, we host a discussion with mental health advocates about how the pandemic adversely affected the mental health of young people and how to best support them. LISTEN • 51:36
  • Rochester City School District students arrive at Montessori Academy School No. 53 for the first day of classes. (photo by Max Schulte)
    Gov. Hochul’s upcoming state budget addresses student mental health matters. Local leaders respond-Noelle E. C. Evans, January 9, 2024 Gov. Kathy Hochul says efforts to improve youth mental health will be a priority in her upcoming New York state budget proposal.
  • The Edgerton R-Center in the city of Rochester on Backus St.
    R-Centers offer teen mental health support through winter breakNoelle E. C. Evans, December 26, 2023Some recreation centers in Rochester have been bolstered with more mental health supports for teens and their families — the winter school break will offer more opportunities for students to access those services.
  • (foreground) Yarielys Castro Lopez, Jill Stolt, (background) Johnnie Mathis, and Diecyana Stewart on "Connections"
    Connections: How local teens are getting more involved in understanding their social and emotional health, November 15, 2023In the first hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, our guests discuss how local teenagers are gaining a better understanding of their social/emotional health and how to care for it. LISTEN • 51:21
  • URMC's first public showing of a drama therapy production, "Ske Kills Monsters," starts this weekend.
    URMC debuts teen drama therapy performance at OFC Creations-Noelle E. C. Evans, October 27, 2023. Drama therapy might not be widely known or practiced, but a theater production this weekend showcases the fusion of art and healing. LISTEN • 4:11
  • Padraic Lillis and Laurence Guttmacher on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, October 18, 2023
    How can we have more open conversations about mental illness, including suicidal ideation? “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, we explore how to have more open conversations about mental illness, including suicidal ideation. It’s a theme of this year’s Reel Mind Film Festival. LISTEN • 51:24
  • Morgan Rodgers was an elite lacrosse star who died by suicide in 2019. Her family and friends created an organization, Morgan's Message, in an effort toLocal NewsStudents face mental health care barriers. A proposed law might helpNoelle E. C. Evans, October 4, 2023A lack of mental health services at schools and colleges is a national issue that hits home in Western New York, but proposed recommendations could remove obstacles.LISTEN • 4:17
  • This stock photo depicts a woman offering support to someone.Local NewsLocal institutions work to meet ‘profound and startling’ demand for teen mental health servicesRacquel Stephen, October 2, 2023Although progress is being made toward addressing teen mental health, experts say there’s still more that needs to be done to meet the demand for resources. A new facility that’s in the works aims to help do that.
  • Nazareth University rugby player Tyreik Thomas, left, and Pat Notaro greet each other before practice. Notaro is a Morgan’s Message ambassador at Nazareth University, and Thomas has attended meetings that Notaro has organized to help strengthen student-athlete mental health on campus.Local NewsMeet the game-changers leading a mental health movement among student-athletesNoelle E. C. Evans, September 29, 2023A club at Nazareth is one of nearly 1,400 Morgan’s Message ambassador programs at colleges and high schools around the country. These programs are a place where students lead conversations about mental health.LISTEN • 7:41
  • Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed teen mental health issues at a summit on June 15, 2023. New York state Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan is at left.New York Public News NetworkNew York state leaders say they are making gains on addressing teen mental healthKaren DeWitt, September 27, 2023Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature invested $1 billion into mental health services in the current state budget. Part of that money is earmarked for services specifically for teenagers.LISTEN • 3:19
  • The Two-Parent Privilege book coverConnectionsMelissa Kearney, author of ‘The Two-Parent Privilege’Evan Dawson, September 27, 2023In the second hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, we talk with Melissa Kearney, author of “The Two-Parent Privilege: How Americans Stopped Getting Married and Started Falling Behind.”LISTEN • 51:37
  • Chamique HoldsclawConnectionsFormer WNBA all-star Chamique Holdsclaw on mental health advocacyEvan Dawson, September 26, 2023In the first hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, we’re joined by former WNBA all-star and mental health advocate Chamique Holdsclaw to discuss how communities can better support people with mental health challenges.LISTEN • 51:30
  • Ruth Turner returned to the city school district in February this year as part of then-newly appointed superintendent Carmine Peluso. She was on the Board of Regents at the time.Local NewsRCSD’s Ruth Turner leads restorative approaches to conflict with new H.U.B.Noelle E. C. Evans, September 25, 2023There’s a new space for resolving conflicts and interrupting cycles of violence at the Rochester City School District.LISTEN • 1:28
  • This Adobe stock image shows 7 people holding smartphones in a circle.Local NewsGreece joins school districts suing social media giants over alleged harms to childrenDavid Andreatta, September 20, 2023Districts allege social media apps are to blame for student struggles with mental health and discipline problems that divert resources from education.LISTEN • 1:25
  • Haley Amering and Isaiah Santiago on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, September 20, 2023ConnectionsWhy are teens with mental health challenges not getting care?Evan Dawson, September 20, 2023In the second hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, we discuss why teens with mental health challenges are not getting the care they need.LISTEN • 52:12
  • The Nazareth University Golden Eagle mascot, Swoop, celebrates the school rebranding from a college to a university.Local NewsNazareth University expands mental wellness programs with $300,000 federal grantNoelle E. C. Evans, September 19, 2023Students and staff at Nazareth University will see an expansion of mental health outreach starting this fall.LISTEN • 1:14
  • (foreground) Laniyah Rand and Jah'Corey Chapman, (background) Yackatherine Tirado and Je'Carl Hill on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, August 31, 2023ConnectionsWhat do young people think causes hopelessness or lack of direction?Evan Dawson, August 31, 2023In the first hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Thursday, August 31, 2023, we talk with youth organizers from Teen Empowerment about what they think causes hopelessness or lack of direction.LISTEN • 51:46
  • Pete Nabozny of The Children's Agenda discusses a new report on housing instability among Rochester City School District students.Local NewsHousing instability hurts Rochester students’ academic performance, says reportJeremy Moule, August 24, 2023The Children’s Agenda is calling on the state to enact policies and programs to help families find a stable place to live.
  • Jasmin Singer and Brian Yanish on "Connections Summer Book Week" on Friday, August 18ConnectionsSummer Book Week: A look inside children’s books dealing with anxietyJasmin Singer, August 18, 2023In the second hour of “Connections Summer Book Week” on Friday, August 18, we discuss anxiety presented through children’s books.LISTEN • 51:43
  • The Thomas P. Ryan Jr. center.Local NewsKids coping with trauma and violence can start finding help at some city recreation centersBeth Adams, July 12, 2023In an effort to boost the emotional health of Rochester’s children, the city is launching a one-year pilot program at its recreation centers.
  • Local NewsGreece Athena High School pilots a counseling app for student mental wellnessNoelle E. C. Evans, May 29, 2023The Greece Central School District is rolling out a pilot program to see if a phone app could improve student mental health.LISTEN • 1:18
  • Local NewsState budget allots funding for youth mental healthAva Pukatch, May 17, 2023May is Mental Health Awareness month and the New York state budget includes $1 billion toward transforming the state’s mental health care — $30 million of that is focused on children.LISTEN • 1:34
  • A sign posted at a weekend conference in Rochester aimed at helping girls ages 10 to 16 learn about resources available to them.Local NewsConference in Rochester provides resources for girls ages 10 to 16Stephanie Ballard-Foster, April 17, 2023A mother-daughter conference in Rochester over the weekend was designed to help girls learn more about mental and emotional health supports available to them.
  • Cara Pisani and Anthony Pisani on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, April 12, 2023ConnectionsWhat do young people need when it comes to digital literacy education?Evan Dawson, April 12, 2023In the second hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, our guests discuss the role and impact of digital media in teens’ lives.LISTEN • 51:57
  • Sara Passamonte, Kim Best, and Greg Best on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, March 23, 2023ConnectionsCan music help teens and young adults struggling with mental health challenges?Evan Dawson, March 23, 2023In the first hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Thursday, March 23, 2023, our guests discuss how music can help people address mental health challenges.LISTEN • 50:56
  • Local NewsSurvey: Parents say kids lack mental health services in Monroe County schoolsNoelle E. C. Evans, March 22, 2023The Children’s Agenda is calling for robust solutions to what they say is a mental health crisis among children and teens – including improving access to care in schools.LISTEN • 1:23
  • Gov. Kathy Hochul presented her plan to invest $1 billion in mental health resources on Thursday.Local NewsHochul proposes $1 billion to boost statewide mental health services in wake of pandemicNoelle E. C. Evans, March 17, 2023Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing for $1 billion worth of mental health services across New York state, with a strong focus on addressing the needs of children and teens.LISTEN • 1:28
  • Erin Halligan-Avery and Kristen Lopez appear on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, January 9, 2023.ConnectionsHow local institutions are working to connect people to mental health servicesEvan Dawson, January 9, 2023In the second hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Monday, January 9, 2023, why is mental health getting worse over time? We discuss the question with mental health professionals and hear about how they evaluate mental health challenges.LISTEN • 51:26
  • Kegler and Shaw stand with locked arms in a team building exerciseLocal NewsHow a new Rochester youth center came to be named for the ObamasBrian Sharp, January 9, 2023Teen Empowerment has landed a major donor for its new center. And his contribution came with an unusual request.LISTEN • 4:54
  • Melany J. Silas, M.Div., Karla Hatley, Ed.D. and Nyah Wragg on Connections with Evan DawsonConnectionsHow to help teens cope with trauma and mental health challengesEvan Dawson, December 27, 2022In the second hour of “Connections with Evan Dawson” on Tuesday December 27, 2022 we talk with representatives of BreathDeep, Inc., a program that provides wellness resources to marginalized groups.LISTEN • 51:48
  • Assemblymember Gunther (right) says "enough is enough" and calls on fellow lawmakers to press GOv. Hochul to fund more mental health supports for college students in New York state. Assemblymember Glick is to her left.Local NewsCollege students need more mental health resources, speakers stress at state hearingNoelle E. C. Evans, December 1, 2022State lawmakers gathered this week for a public hearing on college students’ mental health needs ahead of the upcoming 2023 legislative session.LISTEN • 1:15
  • Local NewsRCSD partners with the University of Rochester to support students’ mental health needsRacquel Stephen, September 28, 2022The University of Rochester and the Rochester City School District are partnering again, this time to provide mental health training to school staff.

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