Roots FM: Quality Health Highlights Rising Child Mental Health Concerns and New Nursing Training Opportunities
A segment of the Quality Health program, aired during Wellness Wednesday on Roots FM, focused on the surge in mental-health issues among children in Jamaica.
Dr. Cheryl Chung, a guest expert, emphasized that while genetics play a role, parental and caregiver interactions from the womb through the first seven years are pivotal in shaping a child’s emotional wellbeing.
The discussion warned that today’s children face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and related disorders than previous generations, underscoring the need for early intervention and supportive environments.
Expert Commentary
During the Wellness Wednesday feature, the host reflected on the dramatic increase in mental-health challenges among school-age children, describing the trend as “very concerning.”
The conversation referenced Dr. Cheryl Chung’s recent appearance, where she highlighted the tendency to place responsibility on parents and caregivers for their children’s mental health outcomes.
While acknowledging the influence of DNA, the host stressed that the formative period—from prenatal development to about age seven—is critical for emotional and cognitive development.
Positive interaction, nurturing, and stable caregiving during these years were identified as essential protective factors against future mental-health problems.
Local Education Initiative
In the same broadcast, the program promoted a new educational offering from Distinction College, aimed at expanding the health-care workforce.
The college provides three-to-four certification programs in practical nursing, early-childhood education, geriatric nursing, phlebotomy, and child care.
Key details include:
- Free CXC or CAPE subjects for qualifying students, with program lengths ranging from three to twelve months.
- Campus locations at 26 Hagley Park Road, Kingston; Six Nugent Street, Spanish Town; and a site in Ocho Rios.
- Low tuition fees and enrollment beginning soon, with a call for interested candidates to contact the college directly.
Community Impact
The combined focus on mental-health awareness and accessible health-care training reflects a broader effort to address both preventive and professional aspects of health in Jamaica.
By informing parents about the importance of early childhood environments and offering pathways to become qualified health-care providers, Quality Health aims to strengthen community resilience and improve overall public health outcomes.