School Support for Mental Health Doesn't Cease Beyond the School Bell, Says Carolyn Hankins Wolfe
In Boone County, students are navigating a multitude of pressures as they approach the end of the school year. From finals and college decisions to scholarship competitions and the pressure to finish strongly, the challenges are numerous. However, it's essential to remember that mental health is just as important as academic success.
To address this, community initiatives are stepping up where state support often falls short. One such initiative is the Hope Squad program, which trains students to recognise the signs of distress in their classmates and connect them to trusted adults. This peer-to-peer approach is proving to be effective in erasing the stigma around mental health and self-care.
Boone County's partnership with Ethan's Purpose, a suicide prevention nonprofit, is a testament to this commitment. Ethan's Purpose, founded by Richard and Debbie Zegarra after the loss of their son Ethan, supports mental health and suicide prevention in schools through training, counseling, and awareness events. The organisation funds Hope Squad programs in all middle and high schools in Boone County.
Carolyn Hankins Wolfe, a member of the Boone County Board of Education, Division 1, emphasises the importance of addressing mental health issues. She believes that schools cannot bear the burden of addressing all mental health issues alone and that it's crucial to question where the school's responsibility ends and where families and communities should step in.
Boone County prioritises student well-being, with educators and staff supporting whole children, not just academic success. Families are encouraged to attend community trainings like QPR, workshops on technology, mental health, and substance use, to recognise warning signs and take action. It's also important to have regular, open conversations with kids, monitor their digital activity, and maintain strong communication with school staff.
Mental health support doesn't end when the school bell rings and doesn't take a summer break. The transition to summer can be challenging for students, especially those who are struggling, living in poverty, or from marginalised communities, as they lose access to school-provided meals and support systems.
It's crucial to normalise talking about mental health just like physical health, and asking for help should be met with support, not judgment. We must reject the stigma that keeps too many students and families suffering in silence. Schools, parents, community partners, and policymakers all have a role to play in mental health support. By working together, we can ensure that every student in Boone County feels seen, supported, and safe.
Read also:
- Competing strategies for addressing infertility come under scrutiny in the halls of Congress
- High school football in Ohio called off due to a legal dispute claiming players suffered violent hazing incidents
- Job opening at Save the Children organization
- Essential Techniques for Successful Snack Food Business Branding
