Health Disparities

Health Disparities Spotlight: Mental Health Toolbox

Kamilah Pasha, a Social Work undergraduate and CCSP Summer Social Justice grantee, is addressing mental health disparities among youth in underserved communities, particularly in Central Islip, NY. Kamilah’s project tackles the challenges families face in prioritizing mental health care amid rising costs of living and limited social support systems.

Her approach centers on preventative, early-intervention strategies in special education classrooms. Each toolkit includes sensory items such as fidget tools, stress balls, and noise-canceling headphones, alongside educational resources for teachers and parents. By fostering self-awareness, autonomy, and curiosity about emotional well-being and social connection, Kamilah’s toolkits help bridge gaps in mental health support that many families in low-income communities may not otherwise access.

Learn more about Kamilah’s project: Mental Health Toolbox: An Alleviative Approach for Low Income Communities