Evaluating the Implementation of a Multi-Technology Delivery of a Mental Health and Wellbeing System of Care Within a Youth Sports Development Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to the provision of community programs and access to mental health services for young people. We examined the feasibility, reach, and acceptability of multi-technology delivery of an integrated system that assesses and provides feedback on youth mental health and wellbeing and connects them to care within the context of a youth sports development program. The system was delivered via computer, telephone, and teleconference with 66 adolescent boys participating in a rugby league development program in three communities in Australia. Young people completed online wellbeing and mental health measures (Assess step), parents were provided with telephone feedback on results, support, and referral options (Reflect step), and youth received teleconferenced workshops and online resources (Connect step). The multi-technology delivery was feasible to implement, and reach was high, with barriers experienced at the Assess step but minimally experienced at the Reflect and Connect steps. Delivering the system via multiple forms of technology was rated as highly beneficial and enjoyable by young people. Players improved in self-reported prosocial behaviour, gratitude, and anxiety symptoms from pre- to post-program. Strong collaboration between researchers, organisational personnel, and community members is important for achieving these outcomes.

Alternative Immunization Clinics to Improve Vaccination Access during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The United States declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020, in response to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic after all 50 states reported laboratory-confirmed cases.1 The demand for ambulatory medical care in the US fell by almost 60% and immunization encounters at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center decreased by 76% as patients became concerned about the risk of coronavirus exposure within a clinic or hospital setting.2 Our vaccination initiatives aimed to increase our pediatric and adult immunization rates through offering two alternative immunization platforms aimed to reduce patient concerns about COVID exposure.