Clarkson University’s Occupational Therapy Department is stepping up locally to help support children’s mental health. The Occupational Therapy Department will be hosting a mental health awareness presentation aimed at providing support to children on Tuesday, March 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Heuvelton Central School Auditorium.
Parents, caregivers, teachers and paraprofessionals from any school district in St. Lawrence County are invited to attend the presentation. Children over the age of 13 are welcome to attend with an adult caregiver.
Clarkson University Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Ashleigh Graveline and Occupational Therapy Student Kaylee Wood will share information on common mental health diagnoses in children, and how these conditions might present in younger populations. Additioanlly, they will address suicide awareness and prevention, providing valuable resources and guidance on how to seek help.
In 2023, more than 5.3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 years had a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 14 and 25 to 34. Between 2016 and 2023, children experienced a 61 percent increase in diagnosed anxiety conditions and a 45 percent increase in diagnosed depression.
Those interested in the event can register here. Those with questions may reach out to Graveline at agraveli@clarkson.edu.