During the Chatham County Board of Commissioners work session on April 15, 2024, a significant focus was placed on addressing the mental health crisis among youth in the community. Erica Guy, a local educator and advocate, urged the board to increase financial support for mental health initiatives and relational mentorship programs aimed at young people.

Guy, who has extensive experience in education and youth support, highlighted the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents, noting that their psychological development has been severely affected. She emphasized the importance of fostering caring relationships between adults and youth, stating that such connections are crucial for effective support and intervention.

In her address, Guy proposed collaboration with established organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Communities in Schools to enhance mental health resources. She argued that while existing mental health services, such as those provided by Daybreak, are valuable, they cannot replace the need for personal, in-person connections that mentorship programs offer.

The board's discussion following Guy's comments underscored the urgency of addressing these mental health challenges. The commissioners acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both financial investment and community collaboration to support the emotional well-being of Chatham County's youth.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed a commitment to exploring these suggestions further, recognizing the critical role that mental health plays in the overall development and success of young residents. The implications of this discussion are expected to shape future funding and programmatic decisions aimed at improving youth mental health in Chatham County.