Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program

Youth in America are experiencing a troubling rise in mental and behavioral health issues. Emergency department (ED) visits for mental health concerns among those aged 12-17 have increased by one-third since 2019, and overdose deaths among adolescents aged 14-18 nearly doubled, with a 94% rise between 2019 and 2020. EDs often serve as critical access points for these young individuals; however, many lack the resources to provide adequate support. This leads to “psychiatric boarding,” where patients face long waits in EDs before receiving appropriate care, resulting in poor experiences and negative health outcomes.

In response, the EMS for Children’s Innovation and Improvement Center (EIIC) is working to improve access to mental health resources. Funded in September 2022, the EIIC is partnering with Pediatric Mental Health Care Access (PMHCA) programs nationwide to develop technical assistance tools and resources that empower teams to extend their services to emergency care.

This initiative aims to bridge the gap in youth mental health care, ensuring that young people receive timely support and reinforcing the importance of mental well-being in our communities.