The EarlyWell Initiative

EarlyWell has a distinct focus on enriching the landscape of mental health resources for children ages 0-8. The pursuit of this work also involves educating parents, care providers, and older kids about what mental health resources exist and what is available in their community.  

Public policy advocacy allows a wide range of stakeholders to work together, problem solve, and improve outcomes for their communities. The nonpartisan EarlyWell Initiative focuses on bringing together government agencies, legislative leaders, healthcare professionals, and families in a collaborative process to move the needle on policies that can improve health outcomes for North Carolina’s children.

EarlyWell focuses on nonpartisan legislative policies, which are policies that are enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly, and administrative policies, which are policies that are enacted by state agencies like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

The EarlyWell Initiative interviewed more than 200 families across North Carolina; the data from these interviews was compiled and reviewed by EarlyWell members to determine a list of key policy priorities. Moving forward, EarlyWell Family Leaders will be continually engaged as a part of this process to review, amend, and provide feedback on EarlyWell’s policy priorities and advocacy efforts.

Infant and child mental health is important because it is critical to the development of key social and emotional skills, such as establishing health connections, managing and understanding emotions, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. A strong mental health foundation in early childhood helps children grow into healthy, resilient adults. As rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide are rising in some of our state’s youngest residents, it is crucial that we provide resources, opportunities, and education early on to support child mental health and set our kids up for success.