Trish Kohl

Systemic racism is a fundamental cause of health disparities and is a contributing factor of poor mental health outcomes among African American children. Systemic racism influences early childhood mental health through multiple mechanisms, including chronic stress and adverse childhood experiences (e.g., discrimination, poverty), as well as limited access to resources and opportunities. Social determinants of health (SDOH), including racism, affects who can access services, as well as who can benefit from services. The intersection of race and poverty is well documented; children of color are nearly three times more likely to be living in poverty than white children. Poverty introduces an array of service needs – beyond mental health — across multiple sectors, while also placing further barriers on family’s access to services. Equitable access to mental health care, as well as to resources that address critical SDOH (e.g., housing, access to quality education and employment opportunities, food insecurity) are necessary so that all children and families have what they need to thrive. My scholarship focuses on breaking down barriers to prevention and early intervention.