JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The COVID-19 pandemic is taking a heavy toll on the mental health of children in Northeast Florida, according to behavioral health staff at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Terrie Andrews, system administrator for Baptist Behavioral Health and Wolfson Children’s Behavioral Health, says her department has seen a 300% increase in the amount of behavioral health emergency admissions, a 40% increase in calls to the office and a 20% increase in new outpatients.
In response to the massive spike, Wolfson Children’s Hospital opened a 24/7 helpline for kids and teens.
“It’s a confidential helpline that is staffed around-the-clock by trained mental health experts,” hospital spokesperson Alexis Kirkland said.
So, it’s a worthwhile investment.”Brown-Woofter said a strong system of mental health care has a ripple effect across a society affecting even the economy, which has also suffered under COVID-19.