The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching negative impacts on the health and well-being of Ohio’s youngest children and their families. Increased isolation, economic instability, and gaps in in-person education have impacted early childhood and school-age mental health, increasing our children’s risk of experiencing trauma and adversity.

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At the same time, the pandemic has relentlessly exposed the fragility of our systems in both responding to and preventing crisis. We must chart a path forward to both prevent and mitigate the impacts of the mental health crisis facing our children and their families.

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We are at a critical juncture as a state and nation to recover and rebuild. Ohio must seize this opportunity to advance strong and steadfast leadership that puts Ohio’s children at the forefront of our state’s agenda. By providing a strong foundation for our children and their families, Ohio’s next governor and other state and local leaders can set the roadmap for a healthier, more productive, and economically vibrant Ohio.