Covering Mental Health
Overview
Students explore how the press brings awareness to problems and helps support reform efforts through analysis of primary sources on the mental health reform movement of the mid-nineteenth century spearheaded by activist Dorothea Dix and journalist Nellie Bly. After, students create their own front-page news story about a mental health issue facing Americans today.
Related Resources
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Journalism in Action! Educator Guides
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Playing Mad Woman
The Sun New York [N.Y.]) 14 Oct. 1887 -
Primary Source Spotlight: Dorothea Dix
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Today in History: Nellie Bly Circles the Globe
Grade
High School, Middle School
Subjects
Civics, English Language Arts, Social Studies
Length
200-240 minutes
Topics
Dorothea Dix, health, investigative reporting, journalism, mental health, mental health reform, Nellie Bly, press
Author
PBS NewsHour Extra