This Just In: The mental health crisis facing RI children
Good afternoon and welcome to This Just In. I'm Mike McDermott, managing editor of The Providence Journal. This is a big graduation weekend in Rhode Island so congratulations to all those who put in the work to get their degrees despite the less-than-ideal circumstances of the last few years.
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated a mental health crisis among children that was already underway before 2020, experts locally and across the country say. Locally, the evidence can be found in the stories of individual children, and by speaking with pediatricians who have seen their jobs upended by an unprecedented stream of teenagers coping with anxiety, depression and eating disorders. It's also one reason for the chaotic situation in the emergency room at Hasbro Children's Hospital. Health-care reporter G. Wayne Miller today explores how the mental-health crisis is impacting local families and those who provide care.
Last night, the CDC put most of Rhode Island in its "high" COVID transmission category, which means the agency recommends people wear high-quality masks while in indoor public settings. Only Newport County remains in the "medium" transmission category. However, the state has not given any intention of reinstating an indoor mask mandate. Wayne put together this Q&A focusing on the latest guidance.
Dr. Anthony Fauci was commencement speaker this morning at Roger Williams University (although he did not attend in person), and he urged his audience to reject the "normalization of untruth." Wayne wrote this story too, wow.
Today, the Health Department reported one coronavirus-related death and 887 additional cases of COVID-19, along with 7,841 negative tests, for a 10.2% positive rate. There were 94 COVID-positive patients in Rhode Island hospitals at last count, down from 103 reported yesterday, with fewer than five in intensive care. Rhode Island has reported an average of 830 new cases a day over the last seven days, up 8% from a week ago and up 36% from two weeks ago. For the week, the positivity rate was 10.8%, up from 9.9% last week and 9.3% two weeks ago.
Columnist Mark Patinkin's middle son lives in Australia, which closed its borders early in the pandemic and kept them shut for most of the next two years. Earlier this month, Mark got to see him for the first time since. He wrote about that experience.
South Kingstown has eliminated a popular dual language immersion program that had been held up as a model. While many parents are outraged, school leaders say it had become too expensive for something that did not benefit all students.
The DEM has abruptly closed one of the most popular destinations on Block Island due to safety concerns.
It's hard to believe as I sit outside wearing a light jacket, but a heat advisory is in effect for Saturday and Sunday, when we might see record highs.
There's a lot of history to appreciate in this week's Walking RI destination, including the grave of a Civil War soldier who died at age 16.
A favorite Rhode Island summer spot is back in business for the first time in nearly three years. The Theatre by the Sea opens for a full season on Wednesday.
Also opening up soon: Bold Point Park in East Providence. The first concert of its season is a week from today featuring the country star Chris Young. Susan McDonald caught up with him before he makes the trip to New England.
And while we're in the summer frame of mind, here are 22 can't miss food-and-drink adventures brought to you by Gail Ciampa.
Finally, thanks to the Celtics for letting me get to bed relatively early and sleep easily. Game 3 is Saturday night, but at least I don't have to work the next morning.
Have a great weekend. And remember, if you enjoy This Just In, please encourage a friend to sign up.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: This Just In: The mental health crisis facing RI children
