Responding to Need, Bishop Tobin creates Task Force on Youth Wellness

PROVIDENCE, R.I.— In response to the growing and persistent mental health crisis facing youth today, Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence, has created a task force to guide the Church’s response. Under the patronage of Saint Dymphna (patron saint of those suffering from mental health issues), the Diocesan Task Force on Youth Wellness will explore and recommend resources and programs to help parishes and schools, pastors and clergy, parish leaders, school administrations, teachers, and parents in recognizing and responding to the mental health needs among youth.
 
“As you know, recently, especially post-pandemic, there has been a rapid and intense increase in mental health problems in our society, especially among young people—young adults, teenagers, and children. This has led to an exponential increase of anxiety, depression, self-harm and even suicide,” said Bishop Tobin in establishing the task force. “The faith community, the Church, has a unique role to play in responding to this crisis. We have professional, pastoral and spiritual gifts we can bring to help support and heal the wounded and frightened members of our community, Catholics and non-Catholics alike.”
 
The task force held its initial meeting in July and has planned additional meetings in the near future. The task force will be led by Doctor Michael Hansen, Director of Human Formation for the Diocese of Providence, a practicing psychologist in Rhode Island for more than 30 years. Dr. Hansen earned both an M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rhode Island.
 
Bishop Tobin appointed the following members to the task force:
1. Michael Hansen, Ph.D. (chair) 
2. Michelle Donovan, Assistant Director of Faith Formation
3. Louise Dussault, Director of Youth Ministry
4. James Jahnz, Secretary for Catholic Charities and Social Ministry
5. Michael Kieloch, Director of Communications and Public Relations
6. Very Rev. William J. Ledoux, Pastor of Holy Apostles Parish, Cranston
7. Kevin O’Brien, Director of Compliance
8. James Power, Superintendent of Catholic Schools
9.  Edward Trendowski, Ph.D., Director of Faith Formation