Whitehall-Coplay Communities That Care met Jan. 15. Denise Continenza, CTC coordinator, introduced Casey Sbat to the group. Sbat is a school-based therapist working with Lehigh Valley Health Network. Before the COVID-19 pandemic upset the regular structure of schooling, Sbat spent time in each of the district’s five schools.

Sbat noted she is still working with the students. While her caseload capacity used to be 25 students, they increased her caseload to 35 for this year. She reported her highest increase was in high school students.

Sbat mentioned the majority of issues she is dealing with this year are family-based conflicts since students and families are spending more time at home. She also noted truancy problems and failing grades are common problems.

If was noted the group should expect a backslide or change in the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) regarding students’ mental health. The numbers from the 2019 data had the CTC move mental health to its list of priorities, but the 2021 PAYS will factor in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sbat reported a much higher number of suicidal ideation among the students. She mentioned more than half of her caseload are older students who struggle with these problems.

It is on the CTC’s radar to address these problems and help the students.

In other business, Continenza asked for ideas of how to promote the data from the PAYS. She noted the positive data points should be shared with the community.

“We do have good kids in this community,” she said.

Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. offered to put some of the information on the Whitehall Township website and Facebook page. Similarly, Whitehall-Coplay School District Assistant Superintendent Christopher Schiffert offered to share the information on the district website as well.

Continenza brought up the idea of having yard signs made up with some of the positive data points.

It was mentioned the group could reach out to local businesses to help support the project. Continenza said they could possibly do a presentation for the Chamber of Commerce to help engage businesses in the area.