New Wilder East Clinic Enhances Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for Youth

Introduction

The Wilder East Clinic, located at 445 Etna St. on St. Paul’s East Side, recently opened to improve access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for children and teenagers. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by addressing critical gaps in mental health services for young populations.

Background and Rationale

The Wilder Foundation expanded its services in response to increasing demand and long wait times at its University Avenue site in St. Paul. The decision to establish the new clinic was informed by community feedback and an assessment of underserved areas, emphasizing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Community-Centered Approach

• Pahoua Yang, Vice President of Community Mental Health and Wellness at the Wilder Foundation and a native of the East Side, highlighted the importance of culturally specific care for Minnesota’s Hmong community and other local populations.
• The clinic aims to address the shortage of mental health care available to children across the Twin Cities, directly supporting SDG 3 by improving health service accessibility.
• Many staff members originate from the communities served, fostering trust and cultural competence, which contributes to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions through community engagement.

Clinic Services and Family Engagement

1. The clinic employs 11 full-time mental health practitioners.
2. Services cater to infants and children up to age 5, as well as children aged 6 to 18.
3. Treatment extends beyond the individual child to include family involvement, recognizing the interconnected nature of health and social stability.

Vanessa Ng, Clinical Director at Wilder East, emphasized the holistic approach: “The child is never in a vacuum coming in through the door, so we try to get family engagement and participation.” This approach supports SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by addressing housing instability and family security as part of health interventions.

Conclusion

The establishment of the Wilder East Clinic represents a significant advancement in providing equitable, culturally sensitive mental health care for children and families on St. Paul’s East Side. By focusing on accessibility, community involvement, and comprehensive family support, the clinic contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on improving access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for children and teens, directly relating to SDG 3’s aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The clinic targets underserved communities, including Minnesota’s Hmong community on the East Side, addressing inequalities in access to culturally specific mental health care.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • By providing community-based mental health services and engaging families, the initiative supports social inclusion and community well-being, which aligns with SDG 16’s focus on inclusive societies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment, and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Access to Mental Health Services
   • Number of children and teens receiving mental health and substance abuse treatment at the new clinic.
   • Reduction in wait times for mental health services compared to previous facilities.
2. Culturally Specific Care
   • Proportion of staff from the communities served, indicating culturally appropriate care provision.
   • Community satisfaction and engagement levels with the clinic’s services.
3. Family Engagement and Support
   • Number of families engaged in treatment alongside children.
   • Indicators related to family stability such as housing security, which impact child health outcomes.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: startribune.com