DETROIT – As we get back into the swing of going back-to-school, this season Detroit Public Libraries are helping kids manage stress, regulate emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. By doing this, Priority Health has sponsored six stand-alone calming stations created by Detroit’s PBS Kids and placed at various Detroit Public Library locations.
“Anxiety and depression continue to increase among children ages 3-17 in the U.S. with behavioral problems subsequently on the rise,” said Charletta Dennis, MD, medical director of behavioral health at Priority Health in a press release. “Priority Health is committed to combating this trend by investing in the emotional well-being of children. These calming stations at well-populated Detroit Public Libraries communicate to children that their emotions are important and can be managed constructively and creatively.”
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The calming stations are tree-shaped bookshelves that rest on a colorful rug. The welcoming display offers access to children’s books about mental health including “Frida’s Fireworks,” co-authored by Dennis and Dr. Nikki Brown of Canines for Change. The stations offer numerous self - regulation tools such as a Yoto Listening Player with meditation audio cards, games and sensory toys. A specially designed whiteboard allows kids to describe their feelings. Plush toys including a “Priority Pup” and “Daniel Tiger” are available to cuddle.
“We are very excited to partner with Priority Health to put real physical materials in places where parents and young children can access them. Managing emotions and learning strategies to calm down is such a necessary skill set to have,” said Tara Hardy, director of early learning for Detroit PBS in a press release.
The Priority Health-sponsored Calming Stations can be found in the children’s areas of these Detroit Public Library locations:
- Campbell
- Elmwood
- Wilder
- Franklin
- Jefferson
- Duffield
Two additional calming stations can be found at Conely and Bowen Libraries.