211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Encourages Families to Prioritize Mental Wellness During National Wellness Month and Back-to-School Season
As August marks National Wellness Month and families across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties prepare for the return to school, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast is reminding parents, students, and caregivers that support is available 24 hours a day for life’s challenges, both big and small.
The transition back to school can bring excitement, but it can also create stress and anxiety for students and families. Academic pressures, social concerns, financial strain, transportation issues, and mental health challenges can impact overall well-being and make the start of a new school year difficult.
National Wellness Month serves as a timely reminder that mental and emotional well-being are an important part of overall health. Through its free, confidential helpline, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast connects individuals and families with vital community resources, including mental health counseling, food assistance, housing support, healthcare services, youth programs, and crisis intervention. The organization also keeps a list of verified back-to-school events happening throughout the five-county region, many offering free backpacks, school supplies, and family activities.
“Back-to-school season can be overwhelming for many families, especially those facing financial hardship or emotional challenges,” said 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast President and CEO, Ty Barnes. “National Wellness Month is the perfect time to remind our community that no one has to navigate these challenges alone. Whether someone needs help finding resources, managing stress, or simply needs someone to listen, our trained specialists are available around the clock.”
In addition to connecting callers with community resources, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast serves as the local provider of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering immediate support to individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, or thoughts of suicide.
Last year, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast responded to more than 125,000 requests for help and support across the region, demonstrating the growing need for accessible mental health and social services.
Parents are encouraged to check in regularly with their children as they adjust to new teachers, schedules, and social environments. Signs that a child may be struggling can include changes in sleep patterns, withdrawal from activities, increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, or heightened anxiety.
Families seeking immediate support can dial 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898211to speak with a trained specialist. For back-to-school event information, visit 211palmbeach.org/news/2026-back-to-school-events.
As National Wellness Month and the school year begin, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast encourages community members to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and remember that help is always just a phone call away.
About 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast
211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast’s mission is to save and improve lives through crisis intervention and by connecting people to health, mental health, and wellness services 24/7. As the region’s frontline responder for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 211 also connects callers to more than 1,600 local agencies offering food assistance, mental health care, elder support, special needs services, and veterans programs.
To learn more, visit 211palmbeach.org or 211treasurecoast.org.