A survey conducted by the Cape Coral Youth Council shows that more needs to be done for mental health in schools.<\/p>\n
Cape Coral City Councilmember Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, liaison for the youth council, said mental health is not a new topic for the panel.<\/p>\n
\u201cSadly, we have heard from many Youth Councils about the lack of services in our city,\u201d she said. \u201cThere is limited pediatric and mental health services in our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
Youth Council Member Claire Johnson went through a presentation that highlighted a survey that was taken by students at Oasis High School, one of the city\u2019s municipal charter schools, which garnered 214 responses over the span of three weeks.<\/p>\n
The survey asked various questions about mental health.<\/p>\n
After going through each question, Johnson said while many students feel supported by caring teachers and counselors, other students shared that stress, anxiety, and depression still impact their daily lives.<\/p>\n
She said they have been in contact with Lee County to try again to get the survey into other high schools in Cape Coral.<\/p>\n
Councilmember Rachel Kaduk said she reviewed the material and sent it to the School Board of Lee County. She said they admitted they dropped the ball and apologized for denied access for administering the survey in its public schools.<\/p>\n
There was a discussion about what kind of requirements are held for teachers within Oasis Charter Schools.<\/p>\n
Superintendent Jacquelin Collins said there are some requirements that are initiated for mental health awareness. She said they receive an allocation every year for mental health.<\/p>\n
Every employee who engages with youth are required to have mental health first aid \u2013 a campaign that helps teachers identify depression, coping skills, and anxiety.<\/p>\n
For more intensive support, Collins said a student can talk with a guidance counselor or a social worker.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also have to provide five hours of social, emotional learning \u2013 building relationships and managing stress,\u201d she said of the requirement that is offered in PE and Hope classes.<\/p>\n
Oasis schools also have a QR code posted throughout the school giving students the opportunity to take a snapshot and book an appointment with a social worker without others knowing the transaction occurred.<\/p>\n
Collins said students do not want to come forward, admit they have a problem or show any weakness.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggy is you have to ask and you have to seek and find,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
There was a great deal of traction regarding the QR code being available for students, as other high schools did not offer this resource. Some members of the Youth Council asked how they could get the QR code in all schools.<\/p>\n
Collins encouraged the council to talk to administration and seek other organizations, such Kids Matter, which has been in existence since 2016.<\/p>\n
After the presentation the Youth Council asked the City Council three questions that revolved around mental health.<\/p>\n
The first question: What are the city\u2019s long-term goals for improving mental health within the community?<\/p>\n
Nelson-Lastra, who is passionate about the subject, said the mental health service provider was SalusCare, which sadly withdrew from the city after Hurricane Ian.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMy story with my daughter was not an easy road,\u201d she said. \u201cWe think it is very important \u2013 to come together and figure out a solution and bring in another service provider to offer this.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said a lot of mental health services are not included on certain insurance plans, so to have the ability to offer this service free for children and youth is key.<\/p>\n
The second question was what has been done in the past year to improve access to mental health services?<\/p>\n
Nelson-Lastra said nothing has been done.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t have an option within our city,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s the accessibility to other families. There is a waitlist involved, months waiting list to get services and potentially a cost issue. I can go on. We need to do better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Manager Michael Ilczyszyn said the city assisted a development on Cape Coral Parkway \u2013 Bimini Square, which includes a Lee Health behavioral health arm.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, instead of going to Golisano Hospital on Bass Road at HealthPark, we now have behavioral health services offered. That is brand new to the city within the last couple of weeks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The last question \u2013 what can you do to make sure students have the resources they need at school concluded the discussion.<\/p>\n
Mayor John Gunter said the youth council should reach out to school board members and try to advocate the QR code for public schools, or a program similar.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt different levels of government, sometimes that communication line isn\u2019t that great,\u201d Gunter said, adding that they can also be a little more proactive to ensure there is good communication between each organization. \u201cThat\u2019s probably where we can do a better job.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nelson-Lastra asked to table the issue, as she wants to put together a panel of people to talk about mental health.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you haven\u2019t lived it, it is easy to say there are tons of resources available,\u201d she said. \u201cThose resources are limited.\u201d<\/p>\n