Upcoming Panel Explores Closing Gender Gap in Youth Mental Health

Upcoming Panel Explores Closing Gender Gap in Youth Mental Health

In 2021, suicide attempts among girls 12-17 were 50% higher compared to boys in the same age group (that rate was 3.7%). Women’s Fund of Rhode Island (WFRI) will be exploring the gender gap in youth mental health during a virtual panel discussion to be held on Wednesday, May 25th, from 4-5:15 PM via zoom.

This critical panel discussion will explore the interplay of social, biological, and cultural factors behind youth depression. The program will provide a gendered perspective on the disparity in mental health diagnostics and treatment plans, as well as unpack the data on why adolescent girls attempt suicide more than boys. We will also explore the Positive Youth Development Framework being implemented by the RI Department of Health. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children, as is anyone else interested in the topic.

This week, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Rhode Island Chapter (RIAAP) the Rhode Island Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (RICCAP), Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and Bradley Hospital on Tuesday issued a declaration of emergency regarding the state of child and adolescent mental health in Rhode Island.

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Guest speakers on the panel include youth activist Andy Taubman from YouthPride and RI Dept. of Health's Sounivone Phanthavong.

The event will be held on zoom. Tickets are free for youth under the age of 18 and $10 for everyone else. To register, visit https://events.eventzilla.net/e/whats-going-on-closing-the-gender-gap-in-mental-health-2138586305?preview=1649709154721&blm_aid=43938817

This program is part of a series branded RealTalk w/WFRI and is the first in the 2022 series.

Future panel discussions this fall will discuss topics related to women and housing, and supporting female entreprenuers.