Simply Healthcare, FCAAP, and Magic Johnson Host Discussion on Mental Health with Teens at Florida State Capitol; SimplyHealthyMinds.com Provides Online Resources to Address Challenges
Pro Basketball Legend, Florida Leaders and Health Providers Discuss the Need to Ditch the Stigma Tied to Mental Health Challenges
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: AMANDA BEVIS
NOVEMBER 2, 2021
(202) 680-9262
Tallahassee, FL – Simply Healthcare and pro basketball legend Magic Johnson hosted a discussion today with high school athletes at Florida’s Historic Capitol to discuss mental health in children.
Simply Heathcare’s new online tool – SimplyHealthyMinds.com – provides resources to help families, teachers, students and others tackle challenges tied to mental health.
“I know first-hand the pressures that student athletes face,” said Johnson. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with Simply Healthcare and help students fight the stigma associated with mental health challenges. Fortunately, Floridians can find a lot of trusted resources in a new online toolkit: SimplyHealthyMinds.com.”
In Florida, one in five youth has a diagnosable mental health condition, and only half of the 400,000 children with mental health disorders are receiving proper treatment.
To address this issue and support the mental health of kids throughout Florida, Simply Healthcare has partnered with the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FCAAP) to develop and launch SimplyHealthyMinds.com, a toolkit full of resources curated by experts in pediatric health care.
“Simply Healthcare will remain a steadfast advocate for Florida children and families struggling with mental health disorders,” said Holly Prince, President of Simply Healthcare. “Starting the conversation about mental health can be difficult. But with a pro like Magic Johnson, we are working to ditch the stigma and help families find the resources that can help.”
Secretary Shevaun Harris of the Florida Department of Children and Families was also part of the discussion.
“It’s so important that we keep the discussion of children’s mental health at the forefront of our conversations,” said Secretary Harris. “With support from parents, family, teachers and friends, Florida’s young people can overcome challenges, build resiliency, and know there is hope for a healthy, happy future.”
Dr. Lisa Gwynn, President of FCAAP, was also a part of the discussion. She underscored the importance of early intervention to get students the help they need before its too late.
“Consequences are high, and sometimes life is at stake. That’s why it’s so important that we support our students through difficult times,” said Dr. Gwynn. “With support, tools and proven methods, students can focus on their academics and their future.”
Dr. Jay Reeve, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Apalachee Center, the region’s largest provider of behavioral health services, attested to the increase in mental health challenges among kids and teens during the last two years.
“We’ve seen significant increases in anxiety and depression issues among kids since the start of the pandemic. But while the challenges we face may be new, as our First Lady Casey DeSantis says, there is Hope For Healing. Florida has the resources available to help parents, teachers, family and friends find ways for teens to cope,” said Dr. Reeve.
The goals of the Simply Healthy Minds toolkit are to support children through challenges, break down barriers to understanding mental health in children, counter the stigma associated with mental health and improve access to resources and care.
At SimplyHealthyMinds.com, users can find a variety of resources to support mental health in children, including:
· Guidelines for parents to talk to teens
· Conversation starters for parents to talk with children
· Journal entry prompts to help children express their feelings in writing
· Access to local community assistance programs by searching zip codes
· Suicide prevention hotline
Visit SimplyHealthyMinds.com to find the guidelines, best practices and local programs.
About Simply Healthcare
Simply Healthcare is a Managed Care Plan that offers plans in Florida for residents eligible for Medicaid, Medicare and Florida Healthy Kids benefits. To learn more, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.
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