Rhode Island health officials declare state of emergency to combat mental health crisis in children

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Pediatricians and psychiatrists in Rhode Island have declared a state of emergency for children and adolescent mental health- as the domino effects of COVID continue.

Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Rhode Island Council for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and Bradley Hospital issued the advisory on Tuesday.

Sherrica Randle says when she heard this official declaration, she was not shocked.

Randle says for the fourth time, her 14-year-old daughter has been admitted to the hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. But this time there are no beds in a mental health facility, so for now- her daughter is admitted in a hospital ER.

“It wasn’t the pandemic that made things worse, it was the pandemic that brought out what was already there,” Randle says.

Even before the pandemic, concerns surrounding mental health in children were building.

According to health experts in the state, rates of childhood mental health concerns and suicide rose between 2010 and 2020. By 2018- suicide was the second leading cause of death for children aged 10-24.

Data from the 2019 Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 15% of R.I. high school students reported attempting suicide one or more times in the 12 months before that survey was given out.

In the declaration, health officials called on lawmakers and advocates for more state-funding and equitable access to care for children.

“We must identify strategies to meet these challenges through innovation and action, focusing on state and local interventions designed to improve equitable access to care including mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment,” the declaration read.

Gov. Dan McKee said that he understands that the need is urgent. In his R.I. Rebounds plan, McKee will include “$7.5 million in pediatric grants to help get children and youth back on track with their health care, including behavioral and psychosocial screenings.”

If you or someone you know needs immediate help, the National Institute of Mental Health has free, 24/7 help. The number is 1-800-273-TALK.