Mental health aid doesn't cease with the sound of the school bell, according to Carolyn Hankins Wolfe's opinion piece.
In Boone County, community organizations are stepping up to address mental health issues where state support may be lacking. School districts, including Boone County, have long-standing internal task forces focused on mental health and suicide prevention. One such initiative is Ethan's Purpose, a partnership that funds peer-led Hope Squad programs in all middle and high schools, aiming to help erase the stigma around mental health and self-care.
Schools need fully funded resources, trust, and flexibility to act, not just react, in addressing mental health issues. However, stigma remains a significant obstacle. Many families still view mental health services, therapy, or asking for help as something to be ashamed of. Normalizing talking about mental health like physical health is crucial in reducing the stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior.
Students in Kentucky are dealing with end-of-year tests, finals, college decisions, scholarship competitions, and the pressure to finish strong. This pressure, combined with the lack of open discussions about mental health, can lead to distress. School might be the only place where some students, such as LGBTQ+ students, students of color, and those who face bullying or instability at home, can feel safe and supported.
Carolyn Hankins Wolfe, a member of the Boone County Board of Education, Division 1, emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues. She states, "Student well-being has been a top priority, with educators and staff supporting whole children, not just academic success."
Schools, parents, community partners, and policymakers all have a role to play in addressing mental health issues. Parents should attend community trainings, like QPR or workshops on technology, mental health, and substance use, to recognize warning signs and take action. They should also have regular, open conversations with their children, monitor digital activity, and maintain strong communication with school staff.
Securing firearms and medications are small steps that save lives. It's important to reject the stigma that keeps students and families from seeking help for mental health issues. Summer break can be especially difficult for students who are struggling, living in poverty, or from marginalized communities, as they lose access to school-provided meals and support networks. Schools cannot and should not bear the burden of addressing all mental health issues alone.
Community partners in Boone County involved in creating programs supporting children and youth with mental health issues include local schools, healthcare providers, mental health organizations like NAMI, social services, and community nonprofits collaborating over the years to provide resources and intervention programs.
In Boone County, it's clear that mental health is a community issue, not just a school or home issue. By working together, we can create a supportive environment where all students can thrive.
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