Virtual Panel: Adolescent Behavioral Health in a Post-Pandemic World

The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, recently hosted a virtual panel: Adolescent Behavioral Health in a Post-Pandemic World.

While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated behavioral health challenges for all populations, New Mexico’s adolescents were hit particularly hard. At a formative time of socialization and education, our youth were removed from school settings forcing them away from their peers and school resources that often provided support for kids. As we move on from the pandemic, this group continues to struggle with lingering behavioral health issues, and we are seeing troubling rates of teen suicide and substance abuse as a result. This panel explored how health professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders can support New Mexico’s adolescents as we emerge from the pandemic and return to a sense of normalcy.

About this event

Hosted by Carolyn Ingram, plan president of Molina Healthcare of New Mexico and moderated by Megan Kamerick, news director for KUNM, the panel of experts included Cathy Schueler, CEO of Bosque Mental Health, Gabrielle Dietrich, executive director of NAMI – New Mexico Chapter, and Leslie Kelly, behavioral health coordinator, NM Public Education Department.