Recently NPR News recognized a national panel of health experts recommending that all children 8 years and older should be screened for anxiety. They also recommend that children 12 years and older continue to be screened for depression. This U.S. Preventative Task Force is in acknowledgment of a widespread concern that children’s mental health problems continue to steadily proliferate, since before the pandemic. The Family Alliance believes that it is a priority to be responsive in educating our community on how to recognize anxiety and when to intervene beyond the “normal” developmental signs. Marilyn Pearlman, LCSW, will join us as we define and distinguish the indications, as well as give practical suggestions for parents, teachers, and administrators as early intervention is always the best medicine.