Every single Monday for months, an average of 10 California-based pediatricians and five mental health providers volunteer their time to answer community questions about Covid-19 and its effect on the lives of children, their families, and the community.
Topics have included contact tracing, mitigating or controlling the spread of Covid-19, the science behind the latest developments, testing, expertise on returning back to school, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health issues and coping—all have been an integral part of the discussions.
Sessions have brought the community together, and have been a profound outlet for parents, extended family members, and kids.
I am a member and delegate assembly member in California. I am so proud of this collaboration between pediatricians and mental health providers. We have had all kinds of features speaker from la county infectious disease, researchers in disparities in health care, social workers, psychologist, etc.
Alana Epstein is a psychotherapist in Los Angeles.