{"id":8745,"date":"2021-08-16T12:50:19","date_gmt":"2021-08-16T16:50:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grafton.local\/?p=8745"},"modified":"2022-03-28T19:52:54","modified_gmt":"2022-03-28T23:52:54","slug":"grafton-in-action-august-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.grafton.org\/grafton-in-action-august-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Grafton in Action – August 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

With a new school year approaching and COVID-19 not yet out of sight, we know the need for behavioral health services will be extremely high this fall. Many special needs children have gone without in-person therapy and schooling for the last 18 months, and some will inevitably struggle when returning to the classroom. Providers like Grafton are an essential resource for students who can\u2019t find the level of support they need elsewhere. And it is our responsibility to help them thrive.<\/p>\n

Despite the increasing demand for services, behavioral healthcare continues to be underfunded throughout the United States. While other industries can save money by cutting back on staff or automating jobs, that\u2019s not possible or preferable in our field. Staff\u2014people\u2014are at the absolute core of what we do. A machine will never be able to replicate the skills of a therapist or the kindness shown by one of our direct service providers. Their dedication to our clients is of enormous value\u2014not only to Grafton, but to the parents, families, and communities that depend on us.<\/p>\n

Behavioral health staff arguably do one of the most important jobs in the world. But it\u2019s no secret that the current funding model doesn\u2019t allow our industry to pay these workers the salaries they deserve. This has contributed to many organizations losing staff over the course of the pandemic\u2014resulting in fewer beds and resources for clients in crisis. And the timing couldn\u2019t be worse. According to one study<\/a>, mental health insurance claims for children ages 13 to 18 doubled in 2020, compared to 2019. With demand for our services on the rise, Grafton and other healthcare providers need more staff, not less. And that staff, who are working harder than ever, deserve to be paid accordingly.<\/p>\n

While there\u2019s no quick fix to the staffing and funding issues facing our industry, there are ways that we all can work together to effect change:<\/p>\n