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Blanca Torres is a producer for Forum, KQED’s daily news and public affairs show, and a reporter for KQED News focusing on social justice and enterprise stories. She joined KQED in 2020 after 16 years as newspaper reporter, most recently at the San Francisco Business Times, where she covered real estate and economic development. She also worked for the Contra Costa Times, Baltimore Sun and The Seattle Times. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Torres earned her bachelor's degree from Vanderbilt University and a master's in fine arts in creative writing from Mills College. She was a Center for Health Journalism 2022 California Fellow. Her reporting project examined mental health services for kids in California and ways they could be improved.
Articles
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An experienced journalist reflects on the learning curve that came with tackling an in-depth series.
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“Folks need to be served by people who look like them and who maybe had some of their life experiences," as one coalition leader put it.
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One family’s experience demonstrates the importance of addressing mental health not just for one person, but the family as a whole.
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Jasmine Cuevas is among millions of parents whose children are struggling with their emotional and mental health.
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Demand for mental health services for children has swelled as expressions of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts have increased alarmingly.
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The demand for mental health services among kids is tremendous, but too often care is a luxury reserved for those who can afford it.