Mental health in schools report
Since the pandemic began, youth mental health service needs have surpassed availability, and schools are called on increasingly to support students. A report highlights how school districts develop, implement and sustain comprehensive school mental health systems and outlines ways that pediatricians and the pediatric community can contribute as allies, advocates and collaborators.
The AAP and National Center for School Mental Health developed Supporting Mental Health in Schools after conducting in-depth interviews with teams representing seven school districts across the country. The report offers insights into core features of comprehensive school mental health systems and guidance and considerations for advancing systems.
The report describes action steps for pediatricians and the pediatric community through:
- improved communication between pediatricians and school districts;
- enhanced care coordination efforts between pediatricians and district mental health providers; and
- increased advocacy for mental health parity.
Visit https://bit.ly/2SP30Vm.
Updated MOCA-Peds app
The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) has relaunched its Maintenance of Certification Assessment for Pediatrics (MOCA-Peds) mobile app for smartphones and tablets. A previous version of the app was taken offline for evaluation, maintenance and performance enhancement.
The updated mobile app offers the ability to answer questions and earn MOC Part 3 (examination) and MOC Part 2 (self-assessment) credit.
Before using the MOCA-Peds mobile app, participants must first use a desktop or laptop computer to log in to their ABP Portfolio, https://centralauthority.abp.org/login, verify their eligibility to participate and enable the app.
View an instructional video on using the app at https://www.abp.org/mocapeds/mobile-app. Download the app by searching “moca-peds” in the Apple App Store (iPhone or iPad users) or Google Play (Android users).
Online offerings
- Safer: Storing Firearms Prevents Harm provides guidance on firearm injury prevention, evidence-based examples and resources. Free; earn up to 1 AMA PRA Category 1 credit. Visit https://bit.ly/3qi4dRf.
- In the latest Pediatric Mental Health Minute Series video, Richard J. Chung, M.D., FAAP, discusses pediatricians’ role in guiding adolescent patients through relationships such as dating and other forms of intimacy. He also explains the impact of positive and negative relationships on adolescents’ social and emotional development. Visit https://bit.ly/3yuFXP2.
Indigenous child health virtual meeting
The International Meeting on Indigenous Child Health, Sept. 10-11, is the only meeting dedicated to indigenous child health in the world. Conference topics include clinical care and research, community programs, emerging health issues, public policy and health systems, and social determinants of health.
Attendees receive access to all sessions and post-conference recordings. Register by Aug. 27 for the best rate. Visit https://www.cps.ca/en/imich/.
FDA approves nasal antihistamine for non-prescription use
The Food and Drug Administration has approved azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray, 0.15%, for non-prescription use in adults and children 6 years of age and older for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
A prescription still will be required for the 0.1% strength azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray, which includes the perennial allergy indication for children 6 months to 6 years old and seasonal allergy indication for children 2 to 6 years old. For details, visit https://bit.ly/3gTU6Ov.
