Advocacy Priorities
Top Issues of Concern
The impacts of COVID-19 have been sudden and universal, and they have affected nearly every American.
Based upon conversations with community leades across the Appalachian region of Ohio, it is apparent that these impacts have been especially burdensome on the rural communities of eastern and southern Ohio, and specifically, have created insurmountable challenges for local school districts across the region.
Among the issues we see an immediate need to cover are:
The impacts of COVID-19 have been sudden and universal, and they have affected nearly every American. Based upon conversations with numerous superintendents, mental health leaders, child advocacy leaders, child researchers and others across Appalachian Ohio across the Appalachian region of Ohio, it is apparent that these impacts have been especially burdensome on the rural communities of eastern and southern Ohio, and specifically, have created insurmountable challenges for local school districts across the region. Among the issues we see an immediate need to cover are:
Continuum of Behavioral Health Care
Crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and foster care services available for children in need of more intensive treatment and support are shockingly low. This region is in need of more services, facilities, and funding that will allow kids to receive the care and treatment they need while staying close to home. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 1-800-273-8255.
Behavioral Health Specialists
State and federal policymakers must allocate the resources necessary for rural, Appalachian schools to hire and retain vital child behavioral health specialists. They must also do more to incentivize the education, recruitment, and placement of Appalachian behavioral health specialists.
Broadband and Telehealth
A high percentage of Southeast Ohio students cannot access the Internet from home. We are working with broadband advocates from across the region to seek a remedy to this problem as fast as possible. Additionally, schools and behavioral health providers must have access to the equipment necessary to effectively deliver telehealth services to children who may not have access to those services in their home communities.
Building Collaboration
Schools and other organizations that serve children often do so in isolation from one another. We believe better outcomes are achieved when organizations harness their power in collaborative efforts that build on the strengths of each. The Coalition stands as a ready facilitator of collaboration and communities across communities where children in need are found.