From Classrooms to Communities: Addressing the Young Adult Behavioral Health Crisis Through Lifelong Learning and Early Intervention in Granville and Vance Counties
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This proposal outlines an upstream strategy to strengthen lifelong learning and well-being for young adults in Granville and Vance Counties, North Carolina. Grounded in the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being framework, it responds to the County Commissioners’ call for equitable, long-term solutions to youth mental health needs, educational disparities, and key social determinants. Both counties face significant behavioral health challenges, limited school-based resources, and fragmented data systems shaped by socioeconomic inequities and rural barriers. At the same time, strong community assets—including early literacy efforts, faith-based engagement, and partnerships with UNC and Duke—support coordinated action. The proposal recommends a School-Based Behavioral Health Initiative with four components: expanding in-school behavioral health services, developing an adolescent mental health data dashboard, establishing a representative steering committee, and implementing a community engagement strategy centered on youth and family voice. A six-month pilot and alignment with state investments will promote sustainable improvement.
DOI: 10.17615/bkr1-db63
Authors: CRUZ, BONNIE, MICHOT, CASSIDY, VAN BUSKIRK, CAROLINE, Walker, Vanessa, PERRY, TIFFANY GRACE
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language: English
Subfield: Speech and Hearing
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7106300544
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