May was Mental Health Awareness Month and I had the pleasure to support our local teens and our moderator, Heather Currie, during the Ask Me Anything youth panel.
Kids from across Summit County shared their perspectives on what it is like to be a teen these days and the particular issues associated with pressure, mental health, the need for trusted adults and what drives substance use amongst their peers. They were articulate, candid and forthright in their perspectives.
It is a powerful reminder of the need to center youth in our prevention work; to truly have those who we are serving at the table and empowered to have influence in our coalition work. We have work to do in this regard, and I am happy to report we are making progress. Look below to learn about the Youth Mental Health Toolkit; created for youth by youth, and to access the link to the Ask Me Anything Panel.
I have great faith and optimism for our future and the power of these emerging youth leaders.
We are here to help you. We don’t just talk – we act.
