Kentucky state leaders to participate in youth mental health program

Kentucky, along with five other states were selected participate in the Policy Academy to Drive Thriving Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing a yearlong cohort to support student mental health.

On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor, Jacqueline Coleman announced that Kentucky government would be participating in the academy along with governments in Alabama, Hawaii, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Virginia.

The National Governor’s Association is conducting the academy with the purpose of supporting state governors’ offices in developing plans to protect and support youth mental health and emotional wellbeing through state-led approaches.

As a teacher, Coleman says Kentucky students and their wellbeing remain at the top her list of priorities and she is thankful that Kentucky is able to participate in the academy. Governor Beshear says like many states, Kentucky faces a significant barrier in student success due to the mental health crisis, and it is imperative that these issues are addressed.