It’s time for us to take a close look at how COVID-19 and virtual classrooms have impacted our children, physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

Wellness starts in our homes, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. As we have seen while navigating this pandemic, taking care of ourselves by eating well, staying active, not smoking, getting the recommended immunizations and screening tests, and seeing a doctor when we are sick all influence our health.

Our health is also determined in part by access to social and economic opportunities; the resources and supports available in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities, the quality of our schooling, the safety of our workplaces, the cleanliness of our water, food, and air, and the nature of our social interactions and relationships. The conditions in which we live explain in part why some people are healthier than others and why Americans more generally are not as healthy as they could be.

Our Speak Up Speak Out Advocacy series will highlight the importance of understanding how to stay in tune with your mental health and gain tools to advocate on your own or your family’s behalf.

January features Stephanie K. Starks, LISW-S owner and therapist Starks Counseling