1N5 Virtual Programs Address Increase in Children’s Mental Health Needs

Funded by Greater Cincinnati Foundation & United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s COVID-19 Regional Response Fund.

The mission of 1N5 is to promote optimal mental health for youth in Greater Cincinnati through customized, evidence-based educational programming. The education model has changed as a result of Covid-19 and 1N5 is quickly adjusting their focus to address the anticipated increase in mental health needs.

Everyone has been affected by the pandemic restrictions, and children are no different. Parents and caregivers may not be prepared to assess and provide help for the escalated mental health issues their children are facing. Feelings of insecurity, change and instability in youth need to be acknowledged, and the adults in their lives need the tools to recognize the signs and symptoms of existing and declining mental health in children and young adults.

In response to these changes, 1N5 has initiated the following initiatives and programs with the help of a grant from the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund:

  • Online QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is being offered, at no cost, to educators, parents and caregivers who are the primary support systems for youth. QPR is gatekeeper training which teaches the skills to recognize problems and get aid for people suffering from mental health struggles. By the end of May 125 community members were trained, and additional sessions will be added as needed.
  • Virtual Speaker Series to provide education for caregivers and educators. The topics of this collaboration of 1N5 and MindPeace include self-care, mindfulness, recognizing and addressing anxiety/stress and the grief of lost experiences.
  • Virtual Resources for parents, caregivers and students are available online on the 1N5 website in the form of links and downloadable documents with mental health information and activities to do during the social distancing. (https://1n5.org/at-home-activities/)
  • 1N5 also sponsored the Miles for Mental Health virtual 12K Challenge to raise awareness during May (Mental Health Month).

“COVID-19 has created a situation where the mental health of all is being challenged,” said Nancy Eigel-Miller, Executive Director of 1N5. “1N5 has pivoted to create virtual materials to educate and support all audiences during this challenging time.”