THOT-member UT Tyler received a $284,518 research career development award from the Texas Children’s Mental Health Care Consortium to study the mental health needs of youth in rural Texas.
The award recognizes Dr. Angela J. Preston, UT Tyler School of Nursing assistant professor, and her research on rural youth mental health in Texas. The funds will support her research into the self-perceived strengths of rural youth (optimism, hope, resilience, and self-efficacy) and how rural Texas schools can foster these strengths to promote positive youth mental health outcomes. The research also seeks to better equip school nurses to promote mental health in small rural schools, as school nurses can be the only health professional available to students in small, rural communities.
“This critical research will unearth valuable findings and insights into the mental health needs of our state’s rural youth,” said Maureen Milligan, PhD, Teaching Hospitals of Texas CEO. “I congratulate Dr. Preston and UT Tyler for advancing this crucial behavioral health research and for leading the way in addressing the mental health needs of Texas’ students and rural residents.”
From the UT Tyler press release:
Mental Health America reports 65% of rural counties lack a psychiatrist and 81% lack a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and rural suicide rates nearly double those in urban areas. According to the Greater Texas Foundation, roughly 37% of Texas public schools are located in rural areas and serve about one million children, indicating a critical gap in access to mental health care.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award and am grateful for the support from my mentors, colleagues and School of Nursing and university administration,” said Preston. “This could not be done without the involvement of key school health partners interested in supporting the mental health of students in their community.”
