The Center for Rural Policy & Development and the Citizens League hosted another conversation in our Interconnected series on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The online discussion can now be viewed below.

The mental health of children and teens in America has grown increasingly worse in recent years in what has been called a youth mental health crisis. Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the healthiest states for children and young people overall, but those numbers often overlook the systemic inequities that negatively impact many young people.  This Interconnected also followed the release of a new report from the Center for Rural Policy & Development: Youth mental health: A look at where rural families can find help now.

Panelists:

  • Sue Abderholden, Executive Director, National Alliance on Mental Illness-Minnesota
  • Sara Gonzalez Rodriguez, Pediatric Psychologist, Children’s Minnesota
  • Wade McKittrick, Superintendent, Montevideo Public Schools
  • Feven Tesfaye, Minnesota Youth Council Representative, Congressional District 2

Moderated by: Kate Raddatz, Park Street PR

Since 2020, the Citizens League has partnered with the Center for Rural Policy and Development to present Interconnected, an event series helping to bridge the divide between urban and rural communities in Minnesota by discussing shared challenges and opportunities, and exploring how to design a future and systems that incorporate the unique needs of communities across the state.

Check out past conversations here.