“Best of Insight”: Sacramento County’s initiative to place mental health clinicians in every school to create “Centers of Wellness.” The Youth Advisory Board discusses what’s missing on campuses. Muralist Jermaine Tilson.

Centers for wellness

Insight is taking a listen back to some of the most meaningful conversations this year. Just before the start of the New Year, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory / to address the mental health crisis among America’s youth. In Sacramento County, the “Office of Education” launched an initiative that they say isn’t really being done elsewhere in the state—binding together healthcare and schools and placing a mental health clinician across the county’s more than 300 campuses.

Back in January, Insight spoke with Dave Gordon, the Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools, and Dr. Chris Williams, the Director of “School-Based Mental Health and Wellness” about the launch and how they secured ongoing funding to ensure it sticks around. 

Mental health

Earlier this year, the Sacramento County Office of Education launched an unparalleled initiative to transform schools into “Centers of Wellness” and, at its core, changed the conversation surrounding mental health for youth. In tandem, the county appointed its first-ever “Youth Advisory Board.” The board members range between 14 and 24 years old and shape policy that directly impacts mental and behavioral health resources for their peers. Back in January, Insight spoke with Sydney Spitzer, who is the “PRO Youth and Families Program Coordinator” for the Behavioral Health Youth Advisory Board. As well as three of the inaugural Youth Advisory Board Members. 

Savanna Karmue is the CEO of the nonprofit “Happy Heart Advices.” Jordan Kaitapu is the Founder of “Black Alumni of Folsom-Cordova Unified School District.” And Trayzell White is writing two books, “5 phrases to change someone’s life” and “15 steps to loving someone with a mental illness.” 

Muralist Jermaine Tilson

We’re closing a special “Best of” show with an inspiring story of rising above adversity. Insight host Vicki Gonzalez initially met artist Jermaine Tilson a couple of years at a foster program with Volunteers for America in Sacramento. Jermaine aged out of the foster care system and experienced homelessness but continued to create and paint. Vicki caught up with Jermain back in February about his murals on display as part of Wide Open Walls, his recent accomplishments and personally how creating a family deepened his passion.