Calming stations at Detroit Public Libraries help kids build mental resilience

Priority Health partners with Detroit PBS Kids

(DETROIT, Mich. – August 12, 2025) In an effort to help kids manage stress, regulate emotions and develop healthy coping strategies, Priority Health has sponsored six stand-alone calming stations created by Detroit’s PBS Kids and placed at various Detroit Public Library locations.

“Anxiety and depression continue to increase among children ages 3-17 in the U.S. with behavioral problems subsequently on the rise,” said Charletta Dennis, MD, medical director of behavioral health at Priority Health. “Priority Health is committed to combating this trend by investing in the emotional well-being of children. These calming stations at well-populated Detroit Public Libraries communicate to children that their emotions are important and can be managed constructively and creatively.”

Tara Hardy, director of early learning for Detroit PBS, said, “We are very excited to partner with Priority Health to put physical materials in places where parents and young children can access them. Managing emotions and learning calming strategies are important skill sets for children.”

The calming stations are tree-shaped bookshelves that rest on a colorful rug. The welcoming display offers access to children’s books about mental health including “Frida’s Fireworks,” co-authored by Dennis and Dr. Nikki Brown of Canines for Change. The stations offer numerous self -regulation tools such as a Yoto Listening Player with meditation audio cards, games and sensory toys. A specially designed whiteboard allows kids to describe their feelings. Plush toys including a “Priority Pup” and “Daniel Tiger” are available to cuddle.

The Priority Health-sponsored Calming Stations can be found in the children’s areas of these Detroit Public Library locations:

  • Campbell
  • Duffield
  • Elmwood
  • Franklin
  • Jefferson
  • Wilder

Vernadette McAlister, head children’s librarian for Detroit Public Libraries, said “We are grateful for our partnership with Detroit PBS KIDS and Priority Health. Their generous donation of six calming stations will play a meaningful role in supporting the social-emotional well-being of the families we serve.”

Two additional calming stations can be found at Conely and Bowen libraries.

About Priority Health

Our members are at the heart of everything we do. With more than 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second-largest health plan in Michigan and the third-largest provider-sponsored health plan in the nation, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, Priority Health offers a broad network of primary care physicians. Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health. Visit the Priority Health newsroom for the latest news.

About Detroit PBS

Detroit PBS is Michigan’s only community-licensed public television station, operating independently of any educational institution or governmental entity. With more than 2 million weekly viewers across its five TV channels, Detroit PBS is the state’s largest and most watched public television station, reaching one of the most diverse public television audiences in America. Its listener-supported radio station, 90.9 WRCJ, is Detroit’s only classical and jazz station, reaching a local and worldwide audience and averaging 280,000 streams per month. Formerly known as Detroit Public TV, Detroit PBS reaches nearly 4 million visitors on average each month through its websites, YouTube channels and social media platforms. Licensed to Detroit Public Media, Detroit PBS is governed by a volunteer board of trustees representing the local business, civic and cultural communities. For more information, visit DetroitPBS.org