OUR CURRENT WORK

The Mental and Emotional Health Matters has developed, distributed, and analyzed a survey to gather information from young people in Memphis on their access to mental health resources. Our recommendations based on youth survey responses are:

  • Staffed reset rooms on every campus. Youth asked for a space in school where they can go when they are feeling overwhelmed or angry to allow themselves to "reset."
  • More access to mental health professionals. Youth asked for more licensed professionals in school and to allow school counselors time to focus on student mental health, in addition to academics.
  • Initiatives that foster a supportive school environment. Youth named the importance of a supportive environment where peers, teachers, and other staff are supportive of students' mental health needs.
  • More educational opportunities about mental health. Youth requested a mental health elective, similar to the required physical health course, where they could learn about mental illness and how to support their mental wellness and that of their peers.
  • Excused absences for mental health. Youth asked that mental health be treated in the same way as physical health; that school policy would allow for excused absences for mental health crises in the same way as physical illness.

​The full report is available below. We will continue to share this information with community partners, schools, mental health professionals, and policymakers to shape the mental health landscape in Memphis to better meet the needs of young people.

Youth Mental Health Report

THE TEAM

Morgan L. Smith (she/her/hers)
Elle Spikner (she/her/hers)
Caitlin Caswell (she/her/hers)