Safety Council

Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.

Latest news…
Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...

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Environment Council

Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.

Latest news…
Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark victory for Florida’s future will impact the proposed Bellmar and Kingston Developments, as they cannot receive their permit through Florida’s flawed program. By the Conservancy of Southwest Florida with permission to Engage Estero. February 16, 2024 Federal...

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Health Council

Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.

Latest news…
Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...

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Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

(Written by Lee Health for Engage Estero’s Health Council) Much has been mentioned on news programs and other media about Wellness. However, it is seldom explained or fully understood.  During a meeting of Engage Estero’s Health Council earlier this year when this...

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Education Council

Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.

Latest news…
Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...

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Updates on Issues of Impact

Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.

Mental Health:

Important Guidance For Students Entering Higher Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2019, the last full year we enjoyed before COVID hit, things were already not well. In the article, Dr. Simeone pointed out, “the scale of this catastrophe is mind-numbing. Roughly 46,000 children in SWFL suffered from a diagnosable Behavioral Health condition, primarily depression and anxiety, with fully 63% of them receiving no treatment. Our region has had a severe shortage of behavioral health practitioners.”

When students prepare for University and other higher education colleges, the stress on those already who have mental illness can become even more acute. But, enrolling in college as a student with a mental health disorder doesn’t need to be overwhelming or intimidating. Students who know their rights and learn how to ask for assistance can go on to complete their degrees and have a positive educational experience in the process.

Suppose you have a student about to enter higher education or have a grandchild in this situation. In that case, the ECCL urges you to look at the excellent information provided by Intelligent.com Higher Education Team. Please click here, https://www.intelligent.com/online-college-guide-for-students-with-mental-health-disorders/, to learn more. 

GECR Qtr 2 2002

Children and COVID Stress

In May 2022, the ECCL released an article by Paul G. Simeone, Ph.D., M.A. V.P., Medical Director of Behavioral Health – Lee Health, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, F.S.U. College of Medicine, “Mental Distress in Children During COVID-19: Signs, Symptoms & What We Can Do to Help Our Kids & Ourselves.”

The article will help students find the assistance they need. A guide explains the resources and accommodations most schools provide and offers tips on accessing various mental health services. Sadly, over the last decade, organizations like the Healthy Minds Network have recorded a steady increase in depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation within the college student population. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues.

The information provided points out, “Students who have received individualized education plans (I.E.P.s) or Section 504 plans during their time in elementary, middle, and high school need to know that these plans do not follow them into college. After high school, it becomes the student’s responsibility to inform the college of their disability. Colleges are obligated to work with students with disabilities and are prohibited from discriminating against them.

Most campuses have health and wellness centers for students and their procedures for requesting accommodations or coursework adjustments. During enrollment, students should inform their college of their specific needs to get the proper assistance. Also, on-campus counseling centers are often free of charge for enrolled students.”

Dr. Andrea Slaughter, Licensed Psychologist, LinkedIn, explains what aspects a student with a mental health disorder should consider when selecting a college and the many other valuable items the article addresses.

The ECCL appreciates the vital information provided by Ava Jones, Higher Education Advisor, Intelligent.com. We hope all higher education students make the most of their opportunity and enjoy this special time of their lives.

(Allan Bowditch, ECCL’s Chief Communication Officer)

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