Access to mental health services is crucial, especially for young people. In a 2021 government survey, more than 40 percent of high school students reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless. The impacts can be more severe in rural communities, where mental health care is scarce. Correspondent Dina Demetrius travels to a Coachella Valley high school to meet with teachers who are running a program that provides mental health support to students.
This week Matter of Fact travels to a rural California high school where teachers are coming together to address teen mental health. Plus, model-turned-actor Beverly Johnson talks about her historic Vogue cover and new one-woman show. And, a program in Milwaukee helps residents get ahead of private companies in the housing market.
From “All in the Family” to “When Harry Met Sally” to “This Is Spinal Tap,” Rob Reiner’s catalog is filled with classic movies and TV shows, and he’s not done yet. The filmmaker is expanding into new ventures. He sits down with Soledad O’Brien to reflect on his career and talk about their podcast on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Some of the largest cities in the U.S. are facing a migrant crisis with many of homeless shelters overwhelmed by an influx of asylum-seekers in need. In New York City alone, officials say they have received more than 170,000 migrants since spring of 2022. One midwestern city is stepping in to give them some relief. Special Correspondent Joie Chen travels to St. Louis where an organization is creating programs to help asylum-seekers settle there.
This week Matter of Fact learns why one St. Louis organization is encouraging migrants to move to the city. Plus, actor and director Rob Reiner talks about some of his iconic films and his latest projects. And, the VA announces a major development towards helping treat veterans with PTSD.
About 1 in 5 children around the world live in or are fleeing from countries with ongoing conflict. Witnessing violence during their early developmental stages can have long-term effects on their mental health. Clinical psychologist Dr. Zlatina Kostova trains mental health providers in Ukraine on how to assist children living through war. She sits down with Soledad O’Brien to talk about ways to help children cope.
The United States has the highest number of incarcerated people in the world with over 1.5 million behind bars. Of that number, more than 400,000 are awaiting trial. Many of them are still in jail because they can’t afford to pay bail. Because of this, several states are considering changes to their bail laws, including Michigan. Correspondent Dan Lieberman travels to the state to meet with advocates and opponents of bail reform.
This week Matter of Fact travels to Michigan as citizens debate changes to the cash bail system. Plus, a clinical psychologist discusses techniques to help children who have lived in war-torn countries. And, an organization makes computers more accessible.
In 2023, the EPA announced the creation of the National Environmental Youth Advisory Council. The council is composed of 16 members between the ages of 16 and 29. They are tasked with providing advice and recommendations for addressing climate change and other environmental issues. Producer Teresa Krug traveled to Philadelphia to meet with one of its inaugural members, Wawa Gatheru.
The lack of accessibility to rural veterinary services could have an impact on food safety. In 2023, the USDA designated over 230 regions across 47 states as “veterinarian shortage areas.” Without local animal care, many rural farmers and ranchers have to wait longer to get necessary health checks for their livestock. Correspondent Jessica Gomez travels to South Dakota to learn about efforts to recruit and train the next generation of veterinarians.