Bright Spot: Kohala High School Mental Health Awareness
We believe students are at their best when they feel connected to their schools. When those who work with young people build connections, they’re also building up students’ social-emotional and mental wellbeing.
In the spirit of reconnecting and student wellbeing, Kohala High School counselor Erin Henderson applied for a Hōkūpaʻa mini grant this semester to purchase supplies for a mental health awareness campaign.
The campaign centers around the school’s Student Ambassadors sharing the purchased gifts and mental health resources with their peers at school events.
So far, they’ve put together booths for a 1st quarter celebration and family fun night, raising awareness for Suicide Prevention Month in September and Bullying Prevention Month in October.
All photos in this article courtesy of Erin Henderson. Faces are covered to protect anonymity.
The mental health swag helps to spread awareness and start conversations that lead to normalizing a positive mental health atmosphere on campus. It’s also a simple way to show that the school cares for and supports its students. Students were excited to choose what they wanted, too! Stickers, bracelets, pens, pencils, and more addressed issues such as suicide prevention, bullying prevention, and LGBTQ acceptance.
Student ambassadors show a colorful array of inspirational and affirmational stickers to their peers.
Mahalo to Kohala High’s student ambassadors and counselor Erin Henderson for bringing a little fun to promoting mental health. We think they’ll do a wonderful job continuing to promote social-emotional wellness and a caring school community!
To learn more about social-emotional wellness and behavioral health resources, visit our resources page.
