Cynthia then introduced Bob Anthony, a Rotarian and Executive Director of Adolescence Wellness Incorporated, who is also the chair of the Rotary Action Group focused on mental health initiatives. Bob discussed his commitment to mental health, particularly through the founding of Adolescent Wellness, which aims to document effective mental health strategies in schools, and highlighted his collaboration with Rita on updating a 20-year-old curriculum to enhance mental health discussions.

Bob addressed the critical gap in mental health diagnosis and treatment for youth in the U.S., noting that 10 million children experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ADHD. He emphasized the role of family doctors in triaging behavioral health during well visits and the necessity of educational resources for both healthcare providers and patients. Sharing personal experiences as a parent, Bob reflected on the challenges his daughters faced after the loss of their father and the importance of seeking professional help to discover effective coping strategies.

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