During COVID, the expansion of telehealth became necessary to continue physical, mental, and emotional care to the public.

That expansion has continued beyond COVID and efforts are now underway to make youth more aware of this option, especially when they are not in the school walls. Tony Kirkman is the Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center and says this is something that will originate in the schools and they will be reimbursed for these services.

According to Kirkman, making kids aware of this service when it becomes available is all about relationships. He feels the Piatt County Mental Health Center already has a very good foundation built in its communities in Piatt and DeWitt Counties.

Kirkman encourages parents to continue to monitor their kids. Social media continues to grow and which allows kids to isolate and not interact with people. He implores parents and guardians to get their kids in the same room with them, even if it is just watching a movie or enjoying a meal. He emphasizes we need that close proximity.