Emory Professors Discuss How To Prioritize The Mental Health Of Children Amid Pandemic

According to a JAMA Pediatrics study published in April, it’s estimated 50,000 children in the U.S. have lost a parent to COVID-19.

The numbers continue to increase during the ongoing health crisis as children return to school for in-person and virtual class instruction.

Dr. Veda Johnson, a professor of pediatrics at Emory School of Medicine and executive director of PARTNERS for Equity in Child and Adolescent Health, says a lot of children are also trying to process grief and loss coupled with fear of the pandemic.

“As children return to school, we are going to have to be really, really sensitive to children who are sad, who are withdrawn, who really can’t participate in the level that they were previously able to participate in, and be able to wrap our arms around them, have conversations with them, have mental health interventions for them that really focus on grief and loss,” Dr. Johnson explained.

Johnson and Dr. Jennifer Holton, an assistant professor of medicine and program director for Emory’s Child, and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, were guests on Monday’s edition of “Closer Look.

Both doctors talked with show host Rose Scott about the mental and behavioral health issues that kids may face as they return to school and what parents and teachers can do to best support students.

To listen to the full conversation, click the audio player above.