HONOLULU, June 15, 2021 — Registration is now open for a free, virtual event about how the COVID-19 crisis has affected young children’s mental health and social-emotional development, and how we can best support them.

The event on June 22, “The Pandemic and Young Minds,” will feature Jamie Hanson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. An expert on brain development and early life stress, Dr. Hanson will share some of his latest research and discuss what parents, advocates, and policymakers can do for young kids after a year of upheaval.

“One of the biggest concerns we hear from throughout the community is how to ensure children’s psychological well-being as we begin to emerge from the pandemic,” said Deborah Zysman, Executive Director of Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network. “We’re excited that Dr. Hanson will be sharing his findings with a local audience.”

Early childhood is a critical time for brain development. Dr. Hanson will discuss research that explores how experiences early in life can impact social and emotional development, with lifelong implications. With the economic situation growing more dire for many families, Dr. Hanson will also discuss evidence-based strategies to support children, especially in their youngest years.

Registration is free with a suggested donation of $5. This event is a part of Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network’s Keiki Talks series, the premier forum for community leaders to learn about issues affecting Hawaiʻi’s children. The public can register at https://www.hawaii-can.org/keikitalk_youngminds.  

Contact: Ryan Catalani
[email protected]
(808) 531-5502 ext. 4

About Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network (HCAN): HCAN is a nonprofit creating a unified voice for Hawaiʻi’s children. Its grassroots movement strives to ensure that all keiki are safe, healthy, and ready to learn. For more information, visit http://www.hawaii-can.org.