Welcome to Friday, December 17th, shaved ice and snow cones…

U.S Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued a public health advisory on the worsening condition of youths’ mental health.

Young people have been experiencing a growth in mental health challenges since the start of the pandemic. In his advisory, Murthy acknowledged the effects of COVID-19 on depression, anxiety, and loneliness:

"The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered young peoples’ experiences at home, at school, and in the community. The pandemic era’s unfathomable number of deaths, pervasive sense of fear, economic instability, and forced physical distancing from loved ones, friends, and communities have exacerbated the unprecedented stresses young people already faced."

According to the advisory, "symptoms of depression and anxiety have doubled during the pandemic, with 25% of youth experiencing depressive symptoms and 20% experiencing anxiety symptoms." In 2021, ER visits for suspected suicide attempts were also 51% higher for adolescent girls and 4% higher for adolescent boys in comparison to 2019.

Are you worried about the current state of young people's mental health?

How You Can Help Victims of Tornadoes in the Midwest & South

More than two dozen tornadoes swept across six states last week, killing at least 90 people, including 80 in Kentucky where the communities of Dawson Springs and Mayfield were devastated by the storms.

The storm system impacted parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee, destroying many buildings and homes in addition to disrupting critical local infrastructure.

A number of national and local organizations are providing relief efforts in areas impacted by the tornadoes:

• GoFundMe created a centralized hub with verified fundraisers to help those affected by the tornadoes.
• If you live in the South, Blood Assurance has asked for people who are willing to donate blood to schedule appointments because of a “critical need” for supply in Kentucky and Tennessee.
• World Central Kitchen is providing fresh meals to those impacted by the disaster. You can make a donation to WCK here.

Learn about more ways you can help tornado victims here.

Taliban Official Confirms Secondary School Ban for Female Students

More than three months after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Deputy Education Minister Abdul Hakim Hemat confirmed that until a new education policy is approved next year, girls will not be allowed to attend secondary school. 

Despite initial assurances from the Taliban to the contrary, many female students have been barred from attending school since August. 

Consider donating to these organizations that help Afghan women and girls:

• Women for Women International

• Women for Afghan Women

•Protect Afghan Women

Read more about women’s rights in Afghanistan

All the Memes Fit to Post

And, In The End...

Get your waffles ready, it's National Maple Syrup Day.

Native Americans in the northeastern part of the continent were the first to make the sweetener, created by cutting the bark on sugar maple trees and letting the sap drip out.

If you're ever in Vermont, I highly recommend not trying maple syrup pop,

—Josh Herman

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