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Dads and mental health: How conversations can lead to change
Many dads would agree that fatherhood can be challenging.
Column: Mental Health Awareness Month demands more than awareness
Virginia’s behavioral health providers should deepen partnerships with public universities, William & Mary’s Kathleen Jabs and David Gosling write in a guest column.
MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: NATION CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY EVENT – YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH SELF CARE MAY 7TH AT TILLAMOOK LIBRARY
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The Tillamook County Suicide Prevention Coalition will be having a variety of events throughout the month to support our community. The first event is Thursday, May…
Veterans reminded about available resources during Mental Health Awareness Month
The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs wants to remind veterans and their loved ones about available resources during Mental Health Awareness Month.
WA mulls controversial mental health standard for lawyers
The Washington State Bar Association is considering a controversial standard for lawyers that ties mental health to professional fitness.
UISD launches Mental Health Fairs in May
One in five young people struggles with a mental health condition, and United ISD is taking action.
Country star Louie TheSinger, actors and more join 'Horses for Mental Health' campaign
Texas-born Country Star Louie TheSinger is saddling up to spotlight how horses can play a role in mental health support.
New York Road Runners Mindful 5K focuses on mental health awareness
Over 6,000 adult athletes and hundreds of youths are estimated to participate in today's New York Road Runners Mindful 5K.
Investigation takes in-depth look at Illinois' mental health courts
An Illinois Answers Project investigation is taking an in-depth look at the state's network of mental health courts.
The politics of Trump's ballroom
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — President Trump was about a half-hour into his second speech of the day, musing about the danger he faced last week at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “Saturday night, it was good for one thing. People are loving my ballroom now,” Trump told a crowd last night. “That’s the only thing. They love my ballroom.” Ever since he was hustled off stage at the Washington Hilton last week, after an attempted shooter breached the dinner’s security perimeter and sent guests diving to the floor, the president has argued that the incident is proof for why his White House ballroom is needed. Only his planned $400 million, 90,000-square-foot project, Trump has reasoned, can keep a president truly safe at major events. It’s true that a bunch of GOP lawmakers have jumped on board with new legislation and words of support for Trump’s project. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. Rand Paul and other prominent Republicans went on TV to talk about the need for a ballroom. But as we reported at The Washington Post this week, “people” aren’t really changing their minds on Trump’s ballroom. A new Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that most Americans still oppose the ballroom project: 56 percent against it versus 28 percent in favor. The numbers are the same as a poll from last year, the Post’s polling whiz Scott Clement found. Other new polls have found similar margins, too. “I’m just not a giant fan, especially of extravagance,” one independent voter told me. “I mean, in the era we’re in right now, given how much people are struggling, it just doesn’t make a lot of sense to me to spend $400 million on a ballroom.” How we got here The Washington Post has followed Trump’s ballroom project very closely. (My colleague Jonathan Edwards may have written the most total words of any reporter about the project; I may be second.) The project exploded as a national issue after Trump tore down the White House’s East Wing after initially promising not to touch it.1 Historic preservationists sued, and about a month ago, a federal judge ordered a halt to ballroom construction.2 The only way the ballroom could proceed, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon ruled, was if Congress explicitly authorized Trump’s plans. (An appeals court has stayed Leon’s order for now.) The judge’s ruling raised an obvious question: would Congress authorize the project? Keep in mind, “authorization” doesn’t mean that Congress needs to necessarily fund the planned $400 million project; they could just sign off on the private donations that Trump has solicited to pay for the ballroom.3 But GOP lawmakers really didn’t want to talk about the ballroom, we reported at The Post just a few weeks ago. One major reason was the ballroom’s bad polling — not a small detail with many of their own midterm elections looming. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident, and Trump’s advocacy, may have changed the political conversation around the ballroom. As this week’s polling shows, it doesn’t seem to have affected the fundamental questions surrounding the project. To put it another way, voters still say that cost-of-living concerns are top-of-mind heading into the midterms. Some Republican and independent voters have told me that they see the ballroom as a vanity project that will help Trump but do nothing for their own lives. It might not help Republicans that Trump has dismissed some of the cost-of-living concerns. He’s described “affordability” as a buzzword manufactured by Democrats whose policies helped cause inflation. “They’ve got one good line of bullshit,” Trump said in his first speech yesterday, delivered at a Florida retirement community known as The Villages. Thanks for reading Dan Diamond's newsletter! Subscribe for free to stay up-to-date on my work. Subscribe Speaking of Trump’s speeches… I’m down in Florida because it’s my “duty week” as a White House reporter — basically, I follow the president wherever he goes. (And then hand the baton off to one of my Washington Post colleagues next week.) As part of my duty week, I’ve spent a few days covering the White House’s reaction to Saturday’s attempted shooting, including officials’ review of the security protocols to protect the president. Trump was restrained in the wake of the incident, addressing the nation from the White House briefing room about the need for peaceful dialogue and trying to lower the temperature. But he’s clearly been itching to get back out of the White House, and I was curious to hear how his Florida speeches would go. And — to my ears — it was an unburdened Trump. Not the one we saw Saturday night in the White House briefing room, but the one we witnessed on the campaign trail in 2024. Loose, dropping profanities, mocking everyone, including members of his team. “We have a man here who knows more about Medicaid, Medicare, medical crap than any human being. Where’s Dr. Oz? Where the hell are you, stand up,” Trump said, referring to Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. “It’s the most boring trip I’ve ever made. He’s telling me about Medicare, Medicaid. All I want to do is take care of you, I don’t care. I said, ‘You work out the details.’” I wrote up the speech, as Trump headed to West Palm Beach to deliver more remarks a few hours later. The White House didn’t like my story. Their rapid-response team called it the work of a “total loser”4 and “a miserable TDS-ridden moron.” You can be the judge of whether it’s a fair story or the product of someone afflicted with “TDS.” (The White House’s shorthand for “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”) I’ve pasted the story below with a gift link, meaning that you don’t need to be a Washington Post subscriber to read it. It might prompt you for an email address, though. Meanwhile, I’ll be down in Florida for the rest of the weekend, covering the president. It’s TBD whether those stories will be deemed TDS-afflicted, too. 1 Jonathan details the past six months of ballroom fallout, reactions and the implications for executive authority here. I also had a great time talking about Trump’s ballroom and other projects with Australia’s ABC News Daily on a podcast this week. 2 The judge allowed underground construction and national security-related work to continue. But that hasn’t been enough for Trump, who says the ballroom itself is essential for his protection. 3 The ballroom donors include companies like Palantir, Google and Amazon. For transparency, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post, where I work. No one has ever interfered with our team’s coverage of the ballroom or our mentions of Amazon or Bezos, and if that changed, I’d speak out. 4 To be fair, I’ve spent the morning working on stories and writing this Substack post rather than enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. So they may be onto something about who’s winning and who’s losing.
Continued devotion to exposing engineering students to environmental science in northern Arizona
High school students learn about wind power and renewable energy
See behind the scenes with a Lane County Health inspector
Lane County health inspections are conducted unannounced, every six months, by Lane Environmental Health.
Dodgers notes: Miguel Rojas, Kiké Hernández, Max Muncy, Teoscar Hernández
With the Dodgers back in St. Louis this weekend, Katie Woo at The Athletic wrote about a pep talk last June in St. Louis that Kiké Hernández gave to Miguel Rojas, who was struggling both at the plate and mentally: “I wanted to change the mentality, because if he didn’t, he was going to be […]
Columbia to hold event for children's mental health week
Columbia prepares for children's awareness week starting Sunday, which includes a community event on Tuesday.
Mother died after "neglect" on Brighton mental health unit
Amy Clare Chapman was a high risk patient when she was allowed out unaccompanied, an inquest hears,
Kentucky adds mental health resource signs on Covington, Newport bridges
For people struggling with their mental health, new signs on three Northern Kentucky bridges are meant to serve as a visible reminder that help is available.
Biodiversity Day at Wichita elementary school highlights environmental science
Students learned about everything from wildfires to falcons to bug populations at the yearly event.
EastEnders: Actor on Ravi's mental health story 'for everyone'
Aaron Thiara has been portraying Ravi Gulati in the soap in a story about complex PTSD.
Seymour Hope Walk and Mental Health Fair opens Mental Health Awareness Month
Seymour Community High School hosted its 4th Annual Hope Walk and Mental Health Resource Fair Friday afternoon.
North Texas school worries 'Parental Bill of Rights' will hurt mental health support
A North Texas non-profit says new legislation that ultimately caused many school districts to drop outreach-type campus clubs could hurt "at-risk" students.
Third annual 'Swing Fore Cesar' event in Chico raises officer mental health awareness
The third annual 'Swing Fore Cesar' Golf Tournament at the Bidwell Park Golf Course took place in Chico on Friday, raising awareness for the mental health of fi
Behavioral health providers protest at CareSource handling of overpayments
Dozens of mental health professionals and social workers protested outside of the CareSource office building in response to the company’s recent decision to seek repayments from behavioral health providers going back up to two years.
Petaluma businesses achieve California Green Business certification, advancing local sustainability leadership
A group of 16 Petaluma businesses has earned California Green Business Certification, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. The certifications were achieved with support from Cool Petaluma, the City of Petaluma, and the County of Sonoma Energy and Sustainability Team.
Ind. PD introduces two-week 'sabbaticals' for officer mental health
The program is available to officers and civilian workers who have worked for the Charlestown PD for more than five years; the time off is unrelated to their vacation, personal and sick time
Cardinals Begin Mental Health Awareness Month With Panel Featuring Trey McBride
Higgins, Seen also among players who hosted local high school students
FDA authorizes early access for experimental pancreatic cancer pill
The FDA said the action recognizes the dire need for a drug to improve survival for pancreatic cancer patients, who face the worst survival odds in oncology.
Dallas Green Business Certification Program Continues to Grow
The Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability is proud to announce that the Texas Discovery Gardens has joined the Certified Green Business list […]
Google releases experimental ‘COSMO’ AI assistant app on Play Store
Yesterday, Google published “COSMO,” an “experimental AI assistant application for Android devices” on the Play Store.
The $25 Billion Bill: The Hidden Environmental Cost of America’s Data Center Boom
Data centers are popping up around the United States, driven by the growing energy and storage demands of artificial intelligence. Now, new research highlights their growing costs. Data centers cost the U.S. about $25 billion in pollution and health costs last year, according to research by Carnegie ...
Mitchell Robinson opened up about his mental health …
Mitchell Robinson opened up about his mental health …
Texas Wine Auction supports Hill Country mental health
The fourth annual Texas Wine Auction supporting the Texas Wine Auction Foundation is taking place this weekend at Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa, featuring live music, a silent auction, dinn…
Physical activity is so beneficial that doctors wish they could hand out ‘exercise pills’ to everyone
Experts explain how physical activity affects the brain, body and mental health. How much do you need, and what researchers still don't know.
Inter Miami CF First Team Players Join Mental Health Experts for the Third Annual Conversations with Cafecito Presented by Café Bustelo at Florida International University
Ahead of Mental Health Awareness month in May, Inter Miami CF First Team players, Alexander Shaw and David Ruiz joined mental health professionals for the team’s third annual Conversations with Cafecito panel presented by Café Bustelo at Florida International University (FIU). Moderated by Dr. Kristin A.Nichols, Director of the Professional
What is an ‘Invisible Day?’ Psychologist explains the mental health benefits
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and this month is about encouraging people to speak up and share their mental health stories.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting Well-Being Through Employment
Explore how Ticket to Work helps SSDI beneficiaries pursue sustainable employment that supports mental health, stability and long-term goals.
California’s Youth Mental-Health Crisis
Today, we’re looking at the AI debate, California’s failing emergency-call system, unions’ waning influence in Michigan, and Randi Weingarten’s recent book.
Spring Health and Alma Complete Combination, Creating the First Lifelong Mental Health Platform
/PRNewswire/ -- Spring Health, a global mental health company built on one AI-native platform, today announced the successful closing of its acquisition of...
FIU and Inter Miami CF talk mental health over cafecito
As we start Mental Health Awareness month in May, FIU, Inter Miami CF and Café Bustelo discussed mental health over cafecito.
I'm trying to delay menopause to 60. Here's how I'm doing it
Kayla Barnes-Lentz is using diet, lifestyle changes, and experimental treatments to slow ovarian aging and push menopause as late as possible.
Resource Roundup: Mental Health Support for Students, Staff, and School Leaders
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and NAESP is highlighting a curated collection of resources designed to help school leaders support the well‑being of both students and staff—and themselves.
‘I crumbled’: Former Md. lobbyist launches podcast aimed at young adults navigating job loss, mental health
Juwan Blocker, a Prince George’s County native and former Maryland political aide, reflects on career loss, identity and purpose as he launches a new podcast for young professionals navigating uncertainty.
Baltimore looks to replace outdated CAD system after man's police custody death
Baltimore City officials are moving to replace the outdated Computer-Aided Dispatch system, which failed during a mental health crisis last summer.
Aurora Mental Health to lay off 111 employees, citing Medicaid funding cuts
Phillips-Henry said the organization is 'committed to ensuring that no client experiences a gap in care as a result of these closures'
Sandisk Reports Fiscal Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Sandisk Corporation (Nasdaq: SNDK) today reported fiscal third quarter financial results. “This quarter marks a fundamental inflection point for Sandisk — wh...
Man accused of threatening Trump is Army vet with PTSD, mental health problems
Daniel Swain appeared in Wake County court on Thursday afternoon, a day after he was arrested for allegedly threatening President Donald Trump.
New York Issues Warning on Lyme Disease as Warm Weather Approaches
Health and environmental officials are urging New Yorkers and visitors to protect themselves from ticks and tick-borne diseases as the weather gets warmer.
Hollywood and Science unite at the 2026 Breakthrough Prize
The star-studded event celebrated achievements by the world’s top scientists in Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics.
Hollywood and Science Unite at the 2026 Breakthrough Prize
The star-studded event celebrated achievements by the world’s top scientists in Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics.
Flying Pig partners with 1N5 on suicide prevention in Blue Jean Mile
One of the first and shortest events of the Flying Pig Weekend may be its most impactful. Here's how 1N5 is using the Blue Jean Mile to promote mental health.
Valtteri Bottas says stronger mental health support in F1 helped him open up about his battles
Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas believes support in motorsports for mental health struggles has greatly improved during his career and gave him the courage to reveal his own personal battles
Governor Reeves Announces Investment in Mississippi’s Youth Mental Health Services
Governor Tate Reeves today announced the state of Mississippi is deploying $13,464,444 to support mental health systems for Mississippi children, youth and students.
Museum of Science and Mystic River Watershed Association Honored with 2026 Boston Climate Leader Award for Research and Innovation
BOSTON, April 30, 2026--The Museum of Science, in partnership with the Mystic River Watershed Association, has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 Boston Climate Leader Awards in the Community Organization category for Research and Innovation. The award recognizes the organizations’ groundbreaking work engaging communities in climate research and advancing understanding of extreme heat as an environmental justice issue.
RWJBarnabas Health Mental Wellness Challenge
Are YOU ready to hit the reset button for a healthier, more balanced life? The 31-Day RWJBarnabas Health Mental Wellness Challenge starts May 1st!
Integrated Counselors: Bringing mental health to the physical world - Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Choctaw Nation Behavioral Health provides integrated counselors in clinic settings to support patients experiencing emotional distress, difficult diagnoses, or needing support during medical visits.
Spring Health Named to TIME's List of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2026
/PRNewswire/ -- Spring Health, a global mental health company built on one AI-native platform, has been named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026....
How Don Mattingly is beginning to put his stamp on Phillies
Fundamentals, rhythm and a calm but clear message are showing how Don Mattingly wants the Phillies to play.
Surge of Islamophobia in politics creates mental health crisis for Muslims
Research shows negative portrayals of Muslims shape public attitude toward them, leading to increased discrimination, hate crimes and psychological distress.
Delaware bill looks to tackle insurance hurdles for mental health care
Lawmakers in Dover recently introduced a bill focused on making mental health and substance use disorder care more accessible for Delawareans.
Students award $10,000 to local mental health nonprofits
Students in the spring semester Philanthropy and Leadership MNGT 411 course at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business awarded $10,000 in grants through the Strive to Thrive Lincoln project to two nonprofits supporting mental and behavioral health in Lincoln — HopeSpoke and Lutheran Family Services.
Unwell man stabbed stranger after Kent NHS mental health failings
Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust apologises after it is found the attack was preventable.
Pasadena confirms whooping cough outbreak at Don Benito Fundamental School
San Diego Wave FC and Slalom to Co-Host Event for Mental Health Awareness Month - San Diego Wave Fútbol Club
SAN DIEGO (April 22, 2026) — San Diego Wave FC and Slalom, the global business and technology company, are bringing together business, sport, and community for Making Waves in Mental Health Awareness, a special event hosted on May 12. The event will feature a powerful conversation with Wave FC co-captain Kennedy
DART approves $32M for security, mental health support expansions
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is touting a multi-million move that they say will expand its security and mental health support.
No immediate plan after Laurel Ridge cuts hundreds of beds in Bexar County
SAN ANTONIO - Growing concern is mounting in Bexar County as leaders and mental health experts warn that a major reduction in psychiatric beds could deepen what
Mental health response briefly closes Oregon 99W in SW Portland
Police closed Barbur Boulevard, or Oregon 99W, for about an hour on Wednesday afternoon.
Supporting better health through sustainable weight management
Through Weight Engage, Optum Rx is helping people build healthier habits while supporting better outcomes and greater affordability for employers and patients alike
New Survey from Harvard Business Review Analytic Services Finds AI Adoption Remains High, Yet Value May Lag Without Modernisation and Workflow Integration
Most organisations have moved beyond experimenting with artificial intelligence, but few are realising its full value. New research from Harvard Business Review Analytic Services, sponsored by Appian, finds that while 59% of organisations (who are moving forward with AI to some extent) have AI in production, the majority are currently focused on incremental gains that prioritise efficiency and productivity over top-line growth.
Governor orders health, food inspections to resume - Office of the Governor
SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today directed the New Mexico Environment Department to immediately resume routine health and food safety inspections that were temporarily paused due to a funding shortfall in the agency’s Environmental Health Bureau. “The Environment Department’s decision to halt inspections was premature,” said Governor Lujan Grisham. “We will resolve the […]
Board Approves Horvath Barger Motion To Reform Mental Health Care in LA County - Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath
The Board unanimously approved a motion by Supervisors Horvath & Barger to reform and better integrate mental health care within the County’s homeless services system.
Simone Biles on mental health advocacy: "We're making progress, we're making change"
The 11-time Olympic medallist on how she sees mental health in sports five years after her conversation-sparking Olympics at Tokyo 2020.
New Hamilton County housing model opens for youth with disabilities, mental health needs
A newly renovated home in Madisonville is offering a new housing option for some of Hamilton County’s most vulnerable young people.
Pentagon Pete Cornered on ‘Unhinged’ Trump’s Mental Health
The defense department chief insisted the president was “the sharpest and most insightful” commander-in-chief in generations.
Mental health series presented by MSPR and campus partners
Morehead State Public Radio, in collaboration with the Department of Sociology, Social Work & Criminology, Counseling & Health Services, and the JED Foundation, will present a five-part radio series throughout May 2026 in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. The series, “Call to Mind,” is produced by American Public Media and hosted by veteran journalist Angela Davis. The hour-long programs feature sound-rich storytelling and expert insight, highlighting the experiences of individuals navigating mental health challenges and exploring ways to support well-being. You can listen to WMKY at 90.3FM at www.wmky.org, via a phone app, or by smart speaker (“Play WMKY”). For additional information, email Hitchcock at p.hitchc@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2334.
Expert Workout Plan, Diet Tips to Boost Energy and Combat Stress
Stressed and tired? A dietitian and personal trainer share small daily habits that boost energy and mood and help combat anxiety.
2 UVA scientists elected to American Academy of Arts & Sciences
The UVA researchers were elected for their work advancing understanding of disease and environmental challenges.
Erica Malloy’s EM Psych on the Evolving Balance Between Scale and Human Connection in Mental Health Care
As digital tools and app-based services gain traction, care delivery may increasingly adopt structured, repeatable formats
Kicking The Stigma to celebrate 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month
Kicking The Stigma will take part in activities and invite fans to learn more about mental health during 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month this May.
Mental Health Parity Index
This first‑of‑its‑kind, open-access tool uses real‑time data to reveal where mental health and substance use disorder care falls behind physical health care. Learn more.
Adoption medicine clinics give children a healthy start
Embedded in academic health systems, these clinics assess children for physical and mental health challenges and connect families with appropriate resources.
Psychedelics offer exciting promise for mental health – if rolled out right
While the early data are impressive, making psychedelic therapy available at scale requires the government to ensure safety and efficacy the way we do for other medications.
Simone Biles talks to CNN about her LA28 prospects, mental health journey and life as an NFL ‘WAG’
Why is mental toughness more important than physical talent? Peak mailbag
How much of the mental side is learned by playing sports all your life, and how much is learned by specific mental skills coaching?
Counting the many costs of the global mental health burden
The cost of mental health conditions build gradually and invisibly, and come from reduced wellbeing, unpaid care and falling workforce participation.
How governor candidates Ramaswamy, Acton want to fix Ohio's mental health crisis
Both frontrunners for governor want to improve Ohio's mental health care system, and each has a vision for a better state, but neither outlined detailed plans for how they would accomplish these goals.
'Survival no longer feels impossible'
When Xavi Simons' knee gave way, many of us thought that was it. All season, when Spurs have come face to face with adversity, they have crumbled. It has left us questioning the players' desire and mental fortitude.
How horse therapy can help mental health issues, complications of aging
Wake County Public Libraries highlights Mental Health Awareness Month with new learning kits and special programs
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Wake County Public Libraries is rolling out a robust line-up of programs and launching a resource to help young children build essential emotional skills.
While we argue, schizophrenia advances
Nature Mental Health - In this World View, Constanza Morén, a biomedical researcher and daughter of a man with schizophrenia, calls for humility and collaboration to bridge the divide between...
Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the health of indigenous peoples and in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country.Australia is among a growing number of countries that have successfully eliminated trachoma, contributing to global progress towards the targets set out in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021–2030.Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and flies that carry eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelids, turning eyelashes inward, and ultimately causing blindness if untreated.“WHO congratulates Australia on this important achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This success reflects sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on reaching populations most affected by health inequities. It brings us closer to a world free from the suffering caused by trachoma.”Australia’s journey to eliminationAustralia’s achievement reflects decades of targeted public health action, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where trachoma persisted despite its earlier disappearance from the rest of the country.National efforts intensified with the establishment of the National Trachoma Management Programme in 2006, which implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to treat infection, promotion of facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. Regular screening of all communities classified as at-risk of trachoma by teams of qualified health workers formed an important part of the Programme. Interventions were delivered through coordinated partnerships between federal and state governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health services, and local communities.Over time, sustained screening, treatment, and prevention activities, including improvements in housing, water, sanitation and hygiene, led to a steady decline in trachoma prevalence. Australia’s approach included adaptations to reflect its context, such as targeted treatment based on community-level data rather than mass drug administration, and strong integration with environmental health programmes.“Elimination of trachoma is a win for the eye health of communities across Australia, particularly those whose lives have been impacted by a disease that is entirely preventable,” said Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, Australia. “This major milestone is thanks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, community commitment and sustained investment over many decades.“The lessons from this work will inform how we approach other preventable health conditions in remote and regional Australia. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local health workers have been central to this success, delivering culturally safe care and community-led solutions.”“This recognition from the World Health Organization reflects decades of work led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, alongside local health workers in remote First Nations communities,” said Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians. “Their work has been critical to eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.”Advancing global efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)Trachoma is one of 21 diseases and disease groups that are regarded by WHO as NTDs. Together, NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, primarily in underserved populations with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, and health care.Australia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem highlights the importance of sustained political commitment and cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing the underlying determinants of health. It also underscores the feasibility of eliminating trachoma even in geographically challenging settings.In addition to trachoma, Australia has several endemic NTDs, including Buruli ulcer, leprosy and scabies. Validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem marks the first time that WHO has confirmed the elimination of an NTD in Australia, which becomes the 63rd country globally and 16th in the Western Pacific Region to have eliminated at least one NTD.“Tackling neglected tropical diseases in the Western Pacific Region has long been a challenge for countries across the socioeconomic spectrum, given the complexities in reaching the most vulnerable communities, including in remote areas,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “As a doctor from Tonga, I’ve experienced these challenges for myself. But I also know that with strategic commitment underpinned by optimal resources and partnerships in health, success is possible as other countries in our region have also demonstrated. I commend Australia on eliminating trachoma as a public health problem and urge all involved to remain vigilant to ensure this status is maintained.”WHO continues to support countries working to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring that progress reaches those most in need and that gains are sustained through strong surveillance, appropriately integrated into national health systems, and mainstreamed within the wider health sector and beyond.Editor’s notesNeglected tropical diseases and trachoma elimination effortsNeglected tropical diseases are associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. Their burden is mainly felt among impoverished communities in tropical areas.Public health targets for the control, elimination and eradication of these conditions were set in the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010352).In 1996, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020), creating a network of governments, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions dedicated to the fight against trachoma. WHO continues to support endemic countries to accelerate progress towards the global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide; 2030 is the new target date.Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is defined as: (i) a prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) “unknown to the health system” of < 0.2% in ≥15-year-olds; and (ii) a prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in children aged 1–9 years of < 5%, in each formerly endemic district, plus (iii) the existence of a system to identify and manage incident cases of TT.Other countries validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
Texas report finds rising mental health struggles among teen girls, few getting help
A new report is raising concerns about the mental health of teen girls across Texas, with experts warning that many are struggling in silence—and not getting the support they need. Research from the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas highlights a troubling trend: nearly 3 in 5 teen girls say they feel persistently sad or hopeless. Despite that, only a small percentage are receiving professional help.
Impending layoffs at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center spark concerns about mental health care
Laurel Ridge Treatment Center announced that 648 employees would be laid off, effective June 26. Some are worried about the impact it will have on the availability of mental health treatment in San Antonio.
Mental health care providers worry some patients will suffer after insurance organization wants money back
Northeast Ohio mental health providers fear some of their patients might have to go without care after a major insurance organization said it needs to recoup significant money.
Fond du Lac County board to discuss closing inpatient mental health facility
Fond du Lac is one of just four counties with an inpatient mental health unit, according to County Executive Sam Kaufman.
Peters, Slotkin, Walberg, and Huizenga Call on Small Business Administration to Approve Disaster Declaration to Assist Communities Impacted by Southwest Michigan Tornadoes
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), alongside U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), are urging the Small Business Administration (SBA) to support Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for an administrative disaster declaration following the devastating tornadoes in Southwest Michigan this […]
Environmental science student works on innovative wastewater solutions for Idaho dairy industry
Food and dairy are a huge part of Idaho’s economy, contributing around $3 billion every...
'General Hospital' star Kirsten Storms hit with restraining order by concerned ex-husband over 'mental health crisis'
EXCLUSIVE: New Kids Mental Health Foundation PSA Stars Malin Akerman, Lance Bass and More
The documentary short and PSA were made in honor of National Mental Health Awareness month in May.
Nursing leader shines with cheer, fiery commitment to care
Kammy Ellwanger was instrumental the day that a fire broke out at Good Samaritan in Wanger, SD, and leading up to the location's reopening.
New Poll Reveals Growing Concern About Mental Health
A recent poll reveals that we are now more worried about our mental health than we are about terminal illnesses like cancer. How did we get here, and what can we do about it?