Episode 29: Joyful Rebellion 2024 with RI Kids Count

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In this thought-provoking episode, we reflect on our recent Joyful Rebellion Celebration and are joined by Jessica Vega from RI Kids Count. Jessica breaks down the facts and data surrounding mental wellness in our schools, revealing the stark realities behind the numbers.
We dive into the clown show irony of the RI Attendance Matters campaign, and discuss how some people dismiss mental wellness as just another corporate buzzword, despite the very real struggles many face. Listen to one of our youth painfully explain that "it's really hard to exist" in today's world, where modern problems are compounded by willful ignorance.
Jessica sheds light on how Rhode Island is falling short of the recommended ratios of school psychologists and social workers, and shares the heart-wrenching statistic that 9% of youth reported attempting suicide at least once in the past year. She also discusses where she believes additional funds should come from to better support our youth and then touches on the world of Yu-Gi-Oh.

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