At the State House Thursday, the pressing issue of the youth mental health crisis was addressed. Recent reports find 10% of New Jersey’s children have been struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues since the start of the pandemic. A CDC study just released unveiled that teen girls in particular are experiencing record-high levels of sadness, violence and trauma. A number of bills is moving through Trenton that policymakers hope will make a difference.
Raft of bills aim to address youth mental health crisis
Opponents of the bills say funding should go to faith-based services
Correspondent
Raven Santana is an award-winning journalist with a passion for serving New Jersey’s diverse communities and a highly respected member of her own. Santana has served as correspondent/sub-anchor for NJ Spotlight News since 2018. She’s reported on the state’s business climate, health care issues, undocumented workers legislation and more. She also hosts New Jersey Business Beat with Raven Santana on NJ PBS. The first woman of color in that role, she has made it a mission to focus on often-overlooked aspects of business, from BIPOC ownership to gaps in equity and inclusion. Her recent accolades include being recognized in 2023 as part of COLOR Magazine's Power 40 Under 40 list, and in Perth Amboy Free Public Library’s 2nd Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, where she received a mayoral citation and the NJ Senate/General Assembly presented her with a Joint Legislative Resolution. She also serves on The WNET Group’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion council and is vice president of The Second Street Youth Center, based in Plainfield.