Weeklong News Series Begins Mon., Jan. 31
WHO: WBUR, 90.9 FM, WBUR.ORG, Boston's NPR News Station, examines the children's mental health system in a special series titled, "ARE THE KIDS ALL RIGHT?"
WHAT: An estimated 300,000 Massachusetts children have a diagnosable mental health disorder, but many of them don't receive care or don't receive appropriate care. That's despite the lawsuit known as "Rosie D," that mandates adequate mental health care for children on state subsidized insurance in Massachusetts. Described as a "lightning rod of change" by Children's Hospital and other child advocates, the lawsuit has had broad implications for the diagnosis and treatment of ALL Massachusetts children. WBUR Reporters Deborah Becker and Monica Brady-Myerov explore this subject in a special WBUR news series.
WHEN: "ARE THE KIDS ALL RIGHT?" airs Jan. 31 - Feb. 4 during Morning Edition from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. and All Things Considered from 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., only on WBUR and wbur.org (segments scheduled to air at 6:35 a.m., 8:35 a.m. and 5:50 p.m.).
Monday, Jan. 31: ONE LOCAL FAMILY'S JOURNEY
WBUR explores the Cadogan family's struggle with son, Will, age 17, who has tried several medications, psychiatrists, therapists, hospitalizations, outpatient programs, special schools and even self-medication over the years.
Tuesday, Feb. 1: THE MEDICATE DEBATE
As psychopharmaceutical drugs become more sophisticated, and more parents demand treatment, WBUR looks at the debate over when and how to medicate children for mental health issues such as depression, ADHD and more.
Wedneday, Feb. 2: SCREENING ALL KIDS EARLY FOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
Because of "Rosie D," Massachusetts has become a national model for pediatricians to regularly screen ALL kids for mental health issues during routine exams. WBUR looks at how screening has worked and whether pediatricians are equipped to do it.
Thursday, Feb. 3: ACCESS: WHERE ARE ALL THE DOCTORS?
Massachusetts has one of the best doctor-to-child mental health patient ratios in the nation, yet many families can't get the services they need. Complicating matters, a recent study estimates that half of the state's mental health providers will leave in the next five years. WBUR talks to families and doctors about the challenges around access.
Friday, Feb. 4: HOW DO WE IMPROVE?
Roundtable discussion moderated by WBUR's Bob Oakes with guests including a local parent, a doctor, the Department of Mental Health Commissioner Barbara Leadholm, and Lisa Lambert, executive director of the Parent/Professional Advocacy League.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all of the families whose personal stories will be reflected in this series and to our friends at PPAL for their work to make this series happen. This promises to be a significant milestone in our efforts to educate the public about what happens in families when a child is mentally ill.
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