Park City Education Foundation launches new series, “Are the Kids Alright”

Many Summit County parents are struggling with limited childcare options and high costs. Photo: Bethany Beck

PARK CITY, Utah — The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic has left many parents worried. Since the spread of Covid-19, higher rates of children have lingering feelings of sadness, anxiety, and anger kindling a global mental health crisis.

To help combat the long-term effects, Park City Education Foundation is hosting a free Educator and Student Wellness Speaker Series, “Are the Kids Alright.” The first one will take place Wednesday from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Jim Santy Auditorium at the Park City Library.

Throughout the series, parents, teachers, and local community members will be given resources to assist their children and students in this challenging time.

Park City Education Foundation’s Associate Director of Communications and Development, Jennifer Billow, writes, “Anxiety and depression have been rising in teens since 2015. The COVID pandemic and its far-reaching uncertainty have sparked a mental health crisis among adolescents, and parents are worried. They are seeing their children anxious, angry, sad, upset, isolated, and discouraged — and the list doesn’t end there.”

Wednesday’s guest speaker is Psychologist Dr. Michael Thompson. Dr. Thompson will be guiding parents and educators through the four protective factors that may be beneficial to help children, the children who are having the hardest times and why, and six ways schools can ensure mental well-being for their students.

“We hope that our ability to connect with educators, students, and families will serve to further strengthen and improve mental wellness in every possible forum and medium,” shared Billow.

To learn more about the series, visit the Park City Education Foundation website.