Ms. G's Class Acts Inc.’s Post

Did you know that mental health diagnoses are often denied by payers in the primary care setting? So often payers will deny stating- “patient must use their mental health benefits” then it’s a “Sorry, you’re not an authorized mental health provider!” (I was being generous with the sorry. 🙄) This creates unnecessary barriers for families trying to get help. Instead of being able to talk to their pediatrician—their trusted, lifelong medical home—children are pushed to see psychiatrists or counselors exclusively. While mental health specialists absolutely have their place, the reality is that wait times to see them can stretch for months, and the out-of-pocket costs are often overwhelming for many families. Pediatricians are uniquely positioned to provide early intervention and ongoing support, but they’re often not given the resources or reimbursement needed to make that happen. This creates unnecessary obstacles for families. It’s time for payers to recognize the value of integrating mental health care into primary care settings. By doing so, we can make mental health services more accessible and affordable for every child who needs them.

In light of recent threats of violence impacting several school districts in Illinois, it’s crucial to understand the broader effects of gun violence on our educational environments. This article from the National Education Association provides valuable insights into how gun violence affects students, families, and communities. At CEC, our mission is to support schools and districts by offering the resources and guidance they need to navigate these challenges effectively. Sharing critical information helps us all stay informed and work together towards safer, more resilient school communities. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gPXaK3YT #GunViolence #ChildSafety #CommunitySupport #CECImpact #TraumaInformedCare

As a parent, the last thing you want to imagine is getting that dreaded call about a violent incident at your child's school. Sadly, since the Columbine shooting in 1999, over 370,000 students in the US have experienced gun violence at school. On average, 12 young lives are lost daily to gun violence, with an additional 32 children suffering injuries from shootings. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent shattered dreams, devastated families, and communities in pain. But there's hope: School violence is preventable. That's why I was thrilled to speak on "Effectively Responding to Incidents of School Violence" in the third webinar of the "Preventing and Addressing Gun Violence in Schools Miniseries" hosted by The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments NCSSLE. I shared trauma-informed strategies and approaches for responding to school violence, particularly focusing on setting the context for effective recovery after such incidents. Keeping students safe from gun violence and ensuring firearms stay out of schools is a top priority. A recording of the webinar is available. Check the comments for the link! #stopschoolviolence #safety #mentalhealth #recovery

We can do better

"Our youth are the long-term plan and approach to preventing future gun violence from spreading." In honor of Gun Violence Prevention Month, The Community Foundation is highlighting the work and mission of peacemakers who are working to empower children, youth and adults to build stronger, safer communities. We asked the TRIGGER Project to share how they are using positive youth development to prevent gun violence. https://ow.ly/TQJV50Sl9Om

Gun violence moves us all to action. Here are some resources to help you choose your next steps and get involved after a tragic incident of gun violence. #EndGunViolence #ProtectOurKids #SandyHookPromise https://lnkd.in/dMVB-X2J

At a critical moment for public safety in America, we face a choice: dismantle promising violence prevention programs or build on their success. My new op-ed examines how Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs have evolved from scattered initiatives into a professional infrastructure of hope. But this progress stands at risk. With key federal funding expiring and potential policy shifts ahead, we could lose years of progress in building safer communities. Read more about why this matters for the future of public safety in America: https://lnkd.in/gEr39kux This piece draws from our research at The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science at Northwestern University #PublicSafety #GunViolencePrevention #CVI

“Gun violence isn't just a public safety crisis or a public health epidemic; it's a fiscal emergency. [CVI] isn't just smart policy, smart politics, and sound fiscal management. It offers Republicans—as well as Democrats—an opportunity to demonstrate leadership on public safety while creating jobs, strengthening communities, and reducing the massive economic drain of gun violence on America's prosperity.” Nice work, Andrew V. Papachristos. And thanks as always to you and our research partners at The Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research & Science.

👉 Overview of the Incident A tragic shooting unfolded at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 16, 2024. A 15-year-old female student, identified as Natalie Rupnow, also known as Samantha, opened fire during a study hall session. The incident resulted in the deaths of two individuals—a teacher and another student—while injuring six others, with two victims in critical condition. This shocking event has left the community and the nation grappling with grief and disbelief. 👉 About Abundant Life Christian School Abundant Life Christian School is a private institution serving approximately 390 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Located at 4901 East Buckeye Road in Madison, the school emphasizes smaller class sizes and a close-knit community. As students were preparing for their final week of classes before the winter break, this incident has drastically altered the atmosphere of safety that schools strive to provide. 👉 Details of the Shooting On that fateful morning, just before 11 a.m., chaos erupted when Natalie used a handgun to shoot her classmates and a teacher. Authorities reported that she died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound upon their arrival. The police are currently investigating how she obtained the firearm and whether any warning signs were missed prior to this tragic event. 👉 Understanding the Motive and Next Steps The motive behind Natalie’s actions remains unclear. Investigators are speaking with her family to gather more information about her state of mind leading up to the shooting. As the community mourns, discussions about enhancing school safety protocols and mental health resources are underway to prevent such incidents in the future. This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for comprehensive discussions about mental health support in schools and stricter regulations regarding firearms access. As communities worldwide grapple with similar tragedies, it is crucial to foster environments where students feel safe and supported. What measures do you think should be implemented to ensure school safety and prevent future tragedies? #News

In 2012, when our nation was rattled by the immense loss at Sandy Hook Elementary, the leading cause of death for children and teens was car accidents. 12 years later, the leading cause of death for children and teens is gun violence. This doesn’t address the tireless efforts of gun violence prevention organizations, like Sandy Hook Promise and Safe and Sound Schools, that emerged after the tragedy. Rather, it points to the massive increase in gun availability and the ongoing decline in the mental health of young males across the nation. Are we doing enough to address this mental health crisis? Are we doing enough to forward common-sense violence prevention legislation, such as "red flag" laws? The best possibility is that the wheels of change are slow, and states are slowly adopting preventative measures. The worst possibility is that we are becoming complacent by degrees, slowly letting ourselves get more and more used to the reality of classmates murdering classmates—stuck in a partisan standstill where accountability falls to the wayside while political grandstanding becomes the only voice we hear. We can't let the latter be our strategy. That's how we'll fail.