2023 | Track 2 | Community Advisory Groups to Inform Youth Mental Health Needs in Southwest Virginia

TRACK 2 SEED GRANT | Whole Health Consortium

Community Advisory Groups to Inform Youth Mental Health Needs in Southwest Virginia 

TEAM:

• Samantha Margherio, Psychology
• Heather Davis, Psychology
• Rosanna Breaux, Psychology
• Jody Russon, Human Development and Family Science
• Sang Won Lee, Computer Science
• Vanessa Wigand, Virginia Department of Education

The Virginia Tech Child Study Center is addressing youth mental health needs in Southwest Virginia (SWVA) by building partnerships with local schools, families, and caregivers. This project will form four advisory groups—middle school students, high school students, caregivers, and school staff—to identify existing resources, highlight gaps, and guide future mental health research and interventions.

Advisory group listening sessions will explore sources of mental health support, evaluate their effectiveness, and uncover unmet needs. Insights will inform the development of tools such as an online mental health screener and resource bank, while supporting team members’ efforts to adapt school-based programs, mobile health apps, and other targeted interventions.By prioritizing community voices, this initiative seeks to enhance the equity and impact of youth mental health solutions in SWVA and beyond.