The project will help children in Indiana deal with the effects of childhood trauma.
Purdue University Northwest's Identification and Management of Pediatric Experiences of Trauma and Underlying Stress (IMPETUS) project has received $3 million in funding from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
According to an article on Purdue University Northwest’s website, Amanda Zelechoski, who is a Psychology professor as well as the director of NWI IMPETUS, said of the funding and the project, “The size and scope of this type of direct mental health services grant is unprecedented at Purdue Northwest. The clinical and research expertise of our faculty, as well as our new psychology graduate programs, position us extremely well to work with our pediatric healthcare partners in the region to change the trajectories for our most vulnerable youth and families.”
Among the goals of IMPETUS are to increase the ability for children experiencing traumatic stress to get the treatment they deserve and to increase the number of behavioral health specialists available in pediatric settings. The grant funding that has been received will be put toward hiring and training therapists and implementing screenings into pediatric clinics.
The Psychology Department and IMPETUS will partner with area pediatric clinics, Associated Pediatricians and HealthLinc, in these efforts of increasing children’s mental health services.
Dr. Elizabeth Campbell of Associated Pediatricians is looking forward to the partnership, saying, “Mental health care has become such a large part of the care we provide to kids and being able to provide timely interventions and resources to families is critical. The impact of bringing these mental health providers into our office space where they can work directly with our families is going to be tremendous. We’re grateful to partner with PNW to advance the care we provide to the communities we serve.”
Beth Wrobel of HealthLinc echoed the sentiments: “HealthLinc is proud to partner with PNW to prioritize and normalize mental health support for children. Partnerships between healthcare and universities are essential for driving progress, addressing health disparities and improving the quality of life.”
All of these efforts will go toward supporting children facing childhood trauma and its effects. Zelechoski noted, “The effects of traumatic stress on children can look similar to other behavioral health issues, like ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders, but the treatments can be quite different. So, it’s important that we screen appropriately and support children and families with the right interventions.”
For more information about Purdue University Northwest, visit the school’s website.