Hadassah Hosts “Are the Kids All Right" Community Panel on June 27

Hadassah Chicago-North Shore’s annual Power Hour in Chicago delves into the perils of child and teen mental health with the panel “Are the Kids Alright? - Navigating Child and Teen Mental Health Today,” announced Francine Ephraim, Hadassah Chicago-North Shore President. The panel will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 27th online or in person at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613.

The in-person evening event features a distinguished panel of guests moderated by Heather Bodie, Executive Artistic Director, Erasing the Distance. Panelists include Steve Arkin, M.D., neurologist and co-founder of Speak Up; District Social Worker Alison Chroman, M.S.W., a school social worker on the frontlines of this epidemic; Psychologist Jennifer C. Keller, PhD, Director, Center for Anxiety & OCD (CAO), who specializes in anxiety; Education Specialist Tracee Gerber, an advocate in schools for struggling children; and real estate broker Joe Gerber who shares his personal story. For more information on the panelists, please visit www.hadassahmidwest.org/CNSPowerHour.

Francine Ephraim states, “Actually, the kids are not all right. According to a 2019 JAMA study, during the COVID-10 pandemic, depression and anxiety in youth doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels. One in four adolescents globally are experiencing clinically elevated depression symptoms, while one in five are experiencing clinically elevated anxiety symptoms. This panel will shine a laser beam on this troubling global trend and provide action-oriented take-aways to our in-person and online audience members.”

Doors open at 630 p.m.; program 7:00-8:00 p.m. Kosher dessert reception to follow. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination status required. Attendees may be required to wear a mask. Registration is $36 by June 23rd at www.hadassahmidwest.org/CNSpowerhour or call 847-205-1900.

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc. (HWZOA), is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, Associates and supporters, HWZOA brings women together to effect change and advocate on such critical issues as ensuring the security of Israel, combating antisemitism and promoting women’s health. Through the Hadassah Medical Organization's (HMO) two hospitals in Jerusalem, HWZOA helps support exemplary patient care for over a million people every year and HMO’s world-renowned medical research. HMO serves without regard to race, religion or nationality and earned a Nobel Peace Prize Nomination in 2005 for building “bridges to peace.” Additionally, HWZOA supports several Youth Aliyah villages that set at-risk children in Israel on the path to a successful future. For more information, visit www.hadassah.org or follow Hadassah on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.