Efforts to address mental health and behavioral concerns in St. Johns County have gained momentum, with multiple organizations collaborating to gather vital insights from the community.
In an endeavor to comprehensively understand and cater to the needs of both adults and children, stakeholders have embarked on a series of initiatives, including focus groups, summits, and now, anonymous surveys. The objective is to foster open dialogue and encourage honest feedback regarding individuals’ mental well-being.
Cathy Newman, representing INK, an organization dedicated to supporting students and teachers in St. Johns County, underscores the significance of this project in soliciting input directly from the community. “The project is needed because it gets answers from the community on what they feel needs to be done to suit them best,” Newman explains.
Reception within the community has been positive, with many expressing appreciation for the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing mental health challenges.
Two surveys have been devised—one tailored for adults and another for children aged 10 to 17. Questions range from assessing help-seeking behaviors to gauging perceptions of available mental health services.
Key stakeholders driving this initiative include the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, Investing in Kids, and the Area Behavioral Health Consortium. Together, they endeavor to collect comprehensive data to inform future interventions.
Newman elucidates that the survey initiative, titled “Resiliency Through the Community,” aims to directly engage children, recognizing the importance of their perspectives in shaping tailored solutions.
The data collected through these surveys will serve as a crucial resource for stakeholders, informing the design and implementation of targeted services to address identified needs within the community.
Given the significant shifts in societal dynamics brought about by the pandemic, Newman emphasizes the timeliness of this initiative in capturing updated insights into the community’s mental health landscape.
Residents of St. Johns County are encouraged to participate in the surveys, as their input will be instrumental in shaping future mental health initiatives. The findings are slated to be presented in August, providing a comprehensive overview of the community’s mental health needs and guiding subsequent interventions.
