Local teens asked to submit ideas to raise mental health awareness for a grant
CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Money for mental health programs is available in Hamilton County, but there's a catch--only students need apply.
World Teen Mental Wellness Day is coming up on March 2 this year and a local organization is inviting teens to submit ideas to receive a grant to help raise awareness of this challenging time for teens.
The hope is that you can develop a program or campaign similar to the one Riley and others did at Saint Ursula Academy.
“This is winter wellness and I know a lot of people struggle through like a lot of different mental health crises, especially in the winter. So, I made this program, specifically for that,” said Riley.
This program meets once a week and allows teens time to relax and talk to other teens.
It’s all part of a partnership with Hamilton County's Commission on Women and Girls and TriHealth’s health-change initiative funding program known as bi3.
“This is part of a larger project through Hamilton County of how we can find and identify initiative to address needs in our community,” said Mary Mounty with Saint Ursula Academy.
“We are offering any high school in Hamilton County up to $500 to really elevate this day at their school, we want to give voice to the students, the students know what they need and the supports they need, whether that’s to hear from a speaker, whether that’s to make poster boards and promote resources within their own schools, we really want the teens to drive this effort,” said Jill Miller.
It is not just open to girls, but all genders in eligible high schools.
“It’s a really interesting dynamic and an opportunity for their voice to be heard,” said Denise Driehaus, a Hamilton County Commissioner.
The hope is that other schools will experience what these teens already say they've learned about the importance of mental health.
“It’s ok to like express that you like need help,” said ninth grader Amori.
“I think that it’s important to recognize, it’s just as important as physical health. You are worthy and there’s people out there that want to help you,” said 11th grader Kinsey.
