CHDI NEWSLETTER
July 2020
New Issue Brief: Screening for Social Determinants of Health: A Promising Step for Improving Children's Behavioral Health
Many families struggle to meet basic needs such as food, stable and healthy living conditions, and access to health care. Commonly referred to as social determinants of health (SDOH), these factors are estimated to account for 80-90% of modifiable contributors to health outcomes and are also associated with mental health concerns among children. 

This  Issue Brief  explores screening for SDOH by children’s behavioral health providers as a promising strategy for improving children’s behavioral health and wellness.
New Resource to Support Social Emotional Learning
A new report to support students' social emotional learning as schools reopen is available from the UCONN Collaboratory on School and Child Health . CHDI's Jeana Bracey, PhD , co-authored the report, Responding to COVID-19: Simple Strategies Anyone Can Use to Foster an Emotionally Safe School Environment.

The Collaboratory also published Responding to COVID-19: Planning for Trauma-Informed Assessment in Schools . A list of state and national r esources to support student's mental health needs can be found in CHDI's COVID-19 Resources and on the Connecticut State Department of Education website.
New Training for Pediatric Primary Care Providers: Breastfeeding Basics
CHDI's Educating Practices program brings timely, evidence-based information and materials to pediatric primary care providers on a range of topics. Our newest training, " Breastfeeding Basics ," helps pediatric primary care providers support mothers in breastfeeding and includes referral information for community lactation services, as well as information for becoming a Breastfeeding Friendly Physician Office. The training is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control.

 Learn more   about Educating Practices or  schedule  a free in-person or virtual training session.
Trainings available virtually!
Two Journal Articles Explore Aspects of School-Based Behavioral Health Treatment for Anxious Youth
CHDI’s Jamie LoCurto , PhD , along with colleagues from UConn Health, co-authored two recent journal articles examining use of behavioral health services among youth with anxiety in school settings and sustained delivery of an evidence-based treatment for anxiety in school settings.  
The first article, “ Caregiver Report of the Utilization of School-Based Services and Supports Among Clinically Anxious Youth ” was published in the  Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.  The article analyzed service utilization in a sample of 208 clinically anxious youth, attending both Connecticut and Maryland school districts. Results indicate that less than half of anxious youth are receiving services within their schools; when students do receive school-based services, they are more likely to have a dual diagnosis of ADHD. These findings suggest that, unless students are causing disruptions in their classrooms/schools, students with anxiety tend to be overlooked, and are not on the receiving end of school-based services.
The second article, “ School-Based Clinicians Sustained Use of a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Anxiety Disorders ,” was published in  School Mental Health,  and examined the sustained use of modular cognitive behavioral therapy (M-CBT), 3.4 years after initial training for a randomized controlled trial ended. This study, the first of its kind to examine sustained use of an evidence-based treatment (EBT) in school settings, drawing from a sample of 43 clinicians from school districts in Connecticut and Maryland, the study investigated the factors related to sustained use of an EBT . Results indicate that the majority of clinicians had positive attitudes regarding the EBT and continued to use M-CBT with modifications, however a majority did not continue to use screening measures.
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Resources for Our Partners and the Public
We are continuously updating CHDI's general COVID-19 resource list and COVID-19 resource list for pediatric providers. Newly added resources include:



  • Guidance for schools from Child Trends for addressing COVID-19-related trauma/mental health issues. 

Board News
Cynthia Fitzgerald Joins CHDI and Children’s Fund of Connecticut Boards of Directors
CHDI welcomes Cynthia Fitzgerald, CPA, MHA to the Board of Directors of CHDI and the Children’s Fund of Connecticut. She replaces Seth Van Essendelft, former Controller of Connecticut Children’s who relocated to Florida. Fitzgerald is the Chief Financial Officer for Connecticut Children’s Specialty Group and is currently serving as interim Controller for Connecticut Children’s. She is a seasoned healthcare executive with expertise in operations, finance, revenue cycle, strategy and physician relations. Fitzgerald earned a BS degree in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University and a MHA from Quinnipiac University, and is a Certified Public Accountant. She will serve on the Audit and Finance Committees.
Join the Team: CHDI is Hiring!
CHDI is looking to expand our team. We are seeking candidates with the education, experience, and dedication to contribute to effective systems, practices, and policies that improve children's health and well-being.

CHDI is currently hiring for the following positions: 

 CHDI is committed to providing equal access to our employment environment and ensures that all employment-related decisions are in accord with the principles of equal opportunity.
Child Health and Development Institute
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