August News Roundup
August 18, 2026 – Read all about youth mental health gains, calm classroom corners, and raising kids to value equality in this month’s News Roundup.
Featured Articles
National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows promising trends for youth mental health and drug use
- Fewer adolescents aged 12 to 17 reported using tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and binge drinking in the previous month, according to a new report released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Adolescents also saw declining trends for major depressive episodes, and fewer reported serious thoughts of suicide, making a suicide plan, and attempting suicide.
- However, youth mental health challenges persist. Nearly 20% of adolescents surveyed had moderate or severe anxiety symptoms in the previous two weeks, compared with about 7% of adults over the age of 18.
Inside modern California classrooms: nooks, couches and ‘cozy cubes’ for kids to self-regulate
- California school districts are adding functional furniture, such as nooks and ‘cozy cubes’ to classrooms to give students quiet spaces to chill out and do work.
- The ‘quiet space’ movement in classrooms began about 10 years ago amid a rise in students diagnosed with autism but now benefits the general population.
- The Compton Unified School District recently spent $3.1 million to install “calming corners’ in 790 classrooms.
Teaching the Next Generation to Reject Misogyny
- Children learn how to value women by watching how adults speak about and treat other women.
- Parents should teach boys that girls are equals, not prizes, caretakers, or supporting characters.
- Adults should avoid gossip that tears women down. They should also let children witness women supporting other women.
- Whenever possible, teach kids that another person’s win doesn’t reduce their opportunity; it helps them build confidence and embrace equality.
What Students and Parents Think About Certified Wellness Coaches
August 12, 2026 – Last year, middle schooler Eli A. was being bullied. One day during lunch, he met the Certified Wellness Coach on campus and asked if he could talk to her.
“A lot of the school goes and talks to her,” Eli told us. “Now there’s less bullies.”
That’s just one way that Wellness Coaches help the young people they serve. Coaches are another trusted adult on campus who listens to the students and can help parents have peace of mind that someone is dedicated to their child’s mental well-being.
Watch the full video to hear what other young people and parents are saying about Wellness Coaches.
California Love, California Strong
July 31, 2026 – The California Love, California Strong Foundation recently hosted an event at the historic Los Angeles Coliseum.
The Foundation centers belonging and connection across California through self-care, social connection, and service. Certified Wellness Coach Angie M. joined First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and CYBHI Director Dr. Sohil Sud for a youth-centered panel on how behavioral health professionals are supporting mental health statewide.
“While we are increasingly connected through our digital world, too many young people are still facing loneliness, anxiety, and overall mental health struggles,” said the First Partner. “We all share a responsibility to normalize asking for help and show up for young people and families across the state.”
Ready to show up for young people? See if you’re eligible to get certified by clicking here.
Youth Today Need More…
July 24, 2026 – At this year’s Power of Partnerships Conference in Los Angeles, we asked Certified Wellness Coaches and California School-based health workers a very important question: Youth today need more… what?
The answers may surprise you.
Looking for ways you can help support the youth in your community?
To learn more about hiring a Certified Wellness Coach, click here.
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HCAI partners with California Community Colleges, California State Universities, and private nonprofit universities whose curricula meet all the requirements for a student to apply for a Wellness Coach certification upon graduation.
Stay up to date with the latest details about the program, timelines, and grant opportunities.
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Stay up to date with the latest details about the program, timelines, and grant opportunities.
