Mental Health & College Readiness for Grades 7-12 in Rio Grande Valley, TX

Causing factor: Uninsured 18-64 years old in the RGV is 40% compared to 12% in the U.S. (1)

Problem 1: Limited access to mental health services in RGV/ Shortage of mental health professionals (1)

Problem 2: High poverty in RGV (33% of RGV compared to 15% U.S. are living in poverty) (1)

Problem 3: Low percentage of high school graduates in RGV (63% RGV graduates compared to 87% of U.S. high school graduates) (1)

Problem 4: High percentage of Poor overall health in RGV (31% of RGV in fair/poor health compared to 17% of the U.S.) (1)

Causing factor: Uninsured 18-64 years old in the RGV is 40% compared to 12% in the U.S. (1)

Causing factor: Under resourced schools, effects of discriminatory policies. Food insecurity in children leads to them having a hard time focusing in school as well as social & behavioral problems. (2)

Causing factor: Poverty, low family motivation, teacher shortages, low resources in schools (3)

Causing factor: high poverty and low education

Possible interventions: Implement suicide prevention programs & Social-emotional learning programs. Grant program in RGV is expected to hire more mental health providers in schools (student interns includes). (5,6)

Possible interventions: Nutrition education program, Dietary interventions (8)

Possible Interventions: Mental health services, expand lunch & summer programs (5)

"Bottom Line" Intervention (7, Strong)

Service providers: Nutritionists

Service providers: Region One Education Service Center

Service providers: Government assistance & programs

Service providers: Counselors, psychologists, & psychiatrists

Interviewee suggested an aptitude test called
YouScience

Interviewee suggested to put resources they do have to full potential and strive to teach how to be effective learners

Interviewee suggested hiring a school psychologist onboard so that students have access at school to get professional help and learn variety of strategies