Did you know that since 2013, children's mental health treatment is the No. 1 health issue reported on community health assessments in our region?
Only a few years ago, pediatricians reported that ear infections were the most common need in patients. Today the top issue relates to depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other mental issues in patients as young as age 5. Suicide is the second largest cause of death for youth ages 3 to 17.
These facts and others related to children's mental wellness were the topic of a program about Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters presented by Lauren Kiger, director of CHKD corporate philanthropy, at the Rotary Club of Norfolk's June 16 meeting on Zoom.
CHKD, the only free-standing pediatric hospital in Virginia, traditionally treated physical needs of youth -- 70% with government sponsored health insurance. But with 1 in 5 youth diagnosed with mental health needs, the hospital is expanding its focus to include mental health. That has led to construction of a $226 million pediatric mental health hospital to open in 2022. It will include 60 rooms for in-patient treatment, outpatient services, recreational facilities and 400 additional employees working. Right now, CHKD has waiting list of about 200 children needing mental health treatment. It gets up to 15 referrals a day plus patients coming through the emergency room due to attempted suicides and drug overdose issues.
The Meeting
President Lorna Cochrane thanked our board and members at her last official meeting as Rotary Club of Norfolk president. She is grateful for their support and trust as COVID-19 challenged our club when it arrived in March and ended in-person meetings and activities. But, switching to Zoom online meetings has opened up new worlds for the club. Joining us for this meeting were Amanda Teixeira from Brazil. Our club hosted Amanda last fall and winter as part of a Rotary exchange program. Also, visiting were former member Ashley Molinaro from Arlington. We were happy to welcome to our Zoom world for the first time Rotarians Walt Sobczyk, who just finished teaching middle school math, and Fred Walker, who is recovering from surgery.
President Lorna drew accolades from members for leading our club through an unprecedented year as members showered her with happy bucks and positive words. Guitar-playing Bob Heely saluted Lorna and the club with his musical rendition of "Rotaritaville," which celebrated our work at the Hunton YMCA, zoo and foodbank. "Service is best when you use the four-way test" was the refrain of Bob's parody of "Margaritaville."
In other business:
- Joe New gave thanks during the invocation for CHKD and our outgoing leadership team while asking for blessings on the incoming team.
- Joey Rothgery let us know that past President Jim Baker fell and broke his shoulder blade and is starting physical therapy.
- President-elect Jim Kitz announced that in the 2020-21 year the club is not planning in-person lunch meetings due to continued concerns about coronavirus. After much study by the finance committee and new board, dues will be $525 total for the year paid in two installments in July and January. The amount will lower the cost for most members but will slightly raise it for those who previously did not have meals but only a surcharge. That rate has not been adjusted in 15 years. The new dues system will sustain club programs and activities and allow it to continue its two part-time employees, who handle back office work.
- President Lorna announced that the club will have a hybrid installation of officers on July 7 at Norfolk Botanical Garden at 12:30 p.m. The program also will be live on Zoom. Pre-registration is required to attend in person. Guests must wear masks and practice social distancing.
- She also let us know that there is residual money left from the Hunton YMCA kitchen project. After asking what the Y needed, the club will buy a bounce house for the Y's preschool program.
- Jim Kitz announced that since March, the club and its members have donated $12,260 to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. The club will continue to match member donations through the end of June.
- Carlisle Wroton is getting a team together for a North Suffolk Rotary Club golf tournament and showed off the trophy our club team won last year. He hopes to bring it back for another year.
- Sigur Whitaker, area governor, honored the following for donations to The Rotary Foundation: Kelly Stefanko, Paul Harris Fellow +1; Bub Kuhlo, +2; Bill Clendenin, +6.
Happy Bucks
- Barbara Lipskis is celebrating her 43rd wedding anniversary. She also is working at Virginia Stage Company and invited people to a June 22 virtual gala to support the theater.
- Jason Drane and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed a new baby to their family three weeks ago.
- Sigur Whitaker, Jeff Wells, Berhanu Mengitsu and Marty Raiss all saluted Lorna for a fabulous year and gave her a standing, virtual ovation. Bob Heely noted the irony of Lorna, who is known as a hugger, being president in a season of no hugs during social distancing times.
- Bill Lehew is happy that donors are making possible a better playground for the Larchmont United Methodist Church and its preschool.
President Lorna Cochrane got lots of accolades at her last official meeting as leader of the Rotary Club of Norfolk.