A new mental health program is launching – backed by the University of Oregon – geared specifically toward children.

In partnership with middle schools across the state, the program will focus on how to identify and address mental health issues early on.

UO credits with making the program possible.

The university says it’s at the forefront of national prevention efforts to improve mental health of children.

“One of the ways you move forward and get these programs is because you’re known,” explains Beth Stormshak, Philip H. Knight chair and professor. “We’ve developed a lot of programs and worked collaboratively with schools. Now we’re going to be able to bring all that together and really focus on some of the interventions that we’ve developed here that we know work, but to partner with schools and to make sure they work in those real-world school settings.”

“We’re hoping to destigmatize mental health issues and bring to light so we can address them instead of pretending these issues do not occur – destigmatization, improving the connectiveness and belongingness of students; that’s a key focus,” adds John Seeley, professor and Associate Dean for Research, College of Education.

The program will be funded over the next five years by the National Institute of Mental Health.