Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the United States has unveiled a major rebranding and expansion of its well-known pediatric mental health program. The initiative, previously known as On Our Sleeves, has distributed free educational resources to more than 15 million people since 2018. It will now operate as The Kids Mental Health Foundation, reflecting a strengthened commitment to addressing the growing mental health needs of young people nationwide.
This moment matters to parents, teachers, and health professionals. The US Surgeon General and other authorities have called children’s mental health a national crisis. In Thailand, educators and families report rising anxiety linked to intense academic pressure, social media, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 on youth. A recent survey conducted by the foundation indicates that about 70 percent of nearly 540 parents are worried about their children’s mental health, with almost 40 percent describing themselves as very concerned.
The trend is global. Data from the World Health Organization show rising rates of depression and anxiety among children and adolescents over the past decade. In launching the Foundation, Dr. Whitney Raglin Bignall, a pediatric psychologist and associate clinical director, said many people know how to treat a broken arm or a cold, but watching a child struggle with panic or stress can leave adults feeling helpless. The Foundation aims to place mental health at the forefront of parenting, teaching, and caregiving.
To fulfill this mission, The Kids Mental Health Foundation offers a growing library of more than 500 resources, including videos, guides, and curricula. Topics cover anxiety management, bullying prevention, online safety, body image, and suicide prevention, designed for teachers, parents, and children. Nationwide Children’s leadership emphasizes the reach and community-driven mission behind the rebrand, with workplace mental health support and advocacy as core components of the program.
Research over decades supports the Foundation’s approach: early mental health literacy can prevent long-term disorders, improve academic performance, and reduce stigma. The Foundation’s resources empower adults to understand, address, and promote children’s mental health, according to Dr. Raglin Bignall. The initiative also plans to expand its impact through a Clinical Advisory Council, teacher-focused toolkits, and support for primary care providers, alongside new collaborations with employers and other partners to broaden access.
For Thai readers, the rebranding offers a practical blueprint. While The Kids Mental Health Foundation is based in the United States, its model highlights steps that Thai schools and communities can adopt. Regular parent–teacher engagement about mental health, culturally sensitive communication, and easily accessible, professional resources can help destigmatize conversations about youth wellbeing. Community figures and celebrities could play a role in normalizing these discussions, echoing successful public–private collaborations seen in other contexts. Pilot programs in Thai municipalities, modeled on the Teacher Kit or age-appropriate curricula, could promote early mental wellness while respecting local culture and family values.
Thailand is already advancing in this area. The Ministry of Public Health has started more systematic student mental health screenings and peer counselor programs in schools. Mindfulness and meditation practices, rooted in Thai cultural and religious traditions, offer pathways for integrating emotional self-care into education. Yet stigma remains, and many families still hesitate to acknowledge distress before it escalates.
Looking ahead, the Foundation’s evolution underscores a global shift: mental wellness should be taught as a foundational skill, not only treated after a crisis. Both national and international research support prevention and early intervention. As Dr. Raglin Bignall notes, new parents should seek guidance from trusted resources. In Thailand, this means engaging school professionals, participating in trainings, and supporting community awareness efforts.
Thai parents, educators, and policymakers are encouraged to act now. Normalize conversations about mental health at home and in schools, invite children to share their feelings, and explore local programs and evidence-based online materials. While English resources from The Kids Mental Health Foundation are publicly available, Thai institutions could adapt and translate these tools, piloting them in schools and engaging public figures to advocate for youth wellbeing. With proactive efforts today, Thailand can nurture a generation of mentally resilient youth who feel supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.