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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Examining Mental Health and Substance Use Education in Middle and High Schools
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Suicide prevention and mental health education increased from 2008 to 2020, with both trends showing significance levels of P<.001.
Between 2008 and 2020, the proportion of US schools requiring a course aimed at improving student knowledge increased for emotional/mental health and suicide prevention, but decreased for substance use prevention, according to new research published in JAMA.
The prevalence of mental health and substance use issues among US youths has increased significantly in recent years. Schools serve as critical environments for prevention efforts, yet it remains unclear whether existing preventive programs adequately address student needs. In the current study, researchers sought to analyze trends in mental health and substance use programming, as well as teacher professional development, in U.S. middle and high schools from 2008 to 2020.
The study leveraged seven cycles (2008–2020) of data from the School Health Profiles, a biennial national surveillance system sampling US middle and high schools. Self-administered questionnaires completed by lead health educators were analyzed, focusing on school programming and teacher development in emotional/mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use prevention. Weighted logistic regression models identified trends over time and stratified by school level.
Overall, 76,826 schools participated in the study. From 2008 to 2018, the number of participating schools ranged from 9865 to 12,387 with response rates of 70% to 94% in each state.
Stronger support for school mental health and substance use programming and teacher training should be considered.
From 2012 to 2020, the weighted proportion of schools reporting attempts to improve student knowledge on emotional/mental health in a required course during the academic year increased from 83.8% to 89.8%. Similarly, for suicide prevention, school programming increased from 70.1% in 2010 to 81.8% in 2020. However, the weighted proportion of schools reporting required programming aimed at preventing substance use declined from 94.5% in 2008 to 88.6% in 2016, with middle school exhibiting the largest decrease, from 92.5% in 2008 to 83.2% in 2016.
The proportion of teachers receiving professional development increased from 36.1% in 2012 to 67.7% in 2020 for emotional/mental health and from 29.4% in 2008 to 61.1% in 2020 for suicide prevention, but remained unchanged for substance use prevention.
Overall, school programming in the US surrounding emotional/mental health and suicide prevention is increasing, while programming involving substance use prevention is decreasing, particularly among middle schools.
The researchers noted, “Stronger support for school mental health and substance use programming and teacher training should be considered.”
Potential limitations of the study include inaccurate self-reporting, lack of school characteristics, and lack of data involving informal/elective courses.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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