Vermont Child Health Improvement Program

• VT RAYS is recruiting and accepting applications for new members!

The Vermont RAYS serve as statewide youth-health advisory council; offering youth perspectives on issues that affect adolescent health care. VT RAYS members impact adolescent health care across the state by advocating for the needs of young people through providing insights and suggestions to health care professionals. As a member of the VT RAYS, youth gain knowledge specific to youth-related healthcare issues, engage with professionals in the field, create educational materials for other youth, and much more. 

VT RAYS Recruitment Flyer

VT RAYS Information Sheet

VT RAYS Application Link

• Providing anticipatory guidance around emotional regulation with school age children can help them to manage their feelings as they grow and gain independence into adolescence.  The Well-Being Action Plan (WBAP) is a free tool to help clinicians provide guidance to school aged youth about emotional well-being. It is not a diagnostic tool or a screening tool but rather a conversation guide to identify coping skills and when to seek additional mental health supports . It is intended to help facilitate conversation in settings where time is limited and to provide an action-plan framework that patients and families can refer to after a health visit. 

• Youth Voice: Have you ever wondered how to bring the perspectives and thoughts of youth to your work? Learn about the VT RAYS Youth Advisory Board and how the VT RAYS can meaningfully contribute to your work and practice. 

• The second cohort of the Adolescent and Young Adult Behavioral Health Collaboration Improvement and Innovation Network (CoIIN) is wrapping up.  Participating clinics exceeded the goal of an 80% depression screening rate at well care visits.