DAYTON, OH — The Montgomery ADAMHS Board recently hosted a youth mental health summit aimed at providing local organizations with essential tools to reduce children’s risk of self-harm. The event also offered service providers a platform to receive feedback on enhancing their services.
Tristyn Ball of ADAMHS highlighted the summit’s focus on the impact of childhood trauma and its potential to disrupt brain development. “What we’re talking about today is the impact of childhood trauma and how that can disrupt brain development, but how we can come together as a community and serve children,” Ball stated.
Ball emphasized the importance of teaching children best practices for managing trauma, noting that those who experience trauma are at a higher risk of suicide. “It’s really important for us to have preventive services in our community. We want to make sure we’re wrapping our arms around the community and having comprehensive preventive care strategies, so we know in the future how we can prevent behavioral health outcomes that lead to depression, anxiety, or unfortunately, suicide,” Ball added.
Adapting to Changes in Crisis Services
Following the cessation of RI International’s mental health crisis services through ADAMHS in May, local leaders stressed the need for the community to be aware of alternative resources. Hannah Swift of Gracehaven, an organization working with young people who have been sex trafficked, emphasized building trust with youth. “Build that trust so having relationships that are really focused on getting to know the youth and giving them voice and choice and empowering them,” Swift said.
Gracehaven announced the launch of a new team in Montgomery County to provide case management and education for both boys and girls. “We’re launching a brand new team here in Montgomery County to provide case management, as well as education. Case management for both boys and girls,” Swift stated.
Supporting the Community
The ultimate goal of these organizations is to make life more enjoyable for children by providing necessary support and resources. Aaron Morman from Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton highlighted their efforts to provide essential items such as clothing, diapers, furniture, beds, and cribs. “Clothing, diapers, furniture, beds, cribs, that sort of thing,” Morman listed.
The summit underscores the collaborative effort needed to address the mental health challenges facing youth and the importance of preventive strategies to ensure better health outcomes for future generations.
Related topics:
