Empowered by their firsthand experiences and impassioned advocacy, high school students converged at the statehouse to shed light on the challenges surrounding mental health.
Gary Henault, Director of Children Services at the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, stressed the importance of listening to the stories of youth, citing poignant examples such as a young lady sharing her father’s tragic experience with denied pain medication leading to devastating consequences.
The Kansas Mental Health Advocacy Program witnessed a gathering of over 350 youth leaders, who engaged with legislators to underscore the significance of amplifying youth voices in mental health discourse.
Raegan McDonald, a junior at Clay Center High School, emphasized the pervasive nature of the mental health crisis, urging legislators to recognize its impact on individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups.
Henault highlighted the program’s inclusive approach, allowing students to address various topics related to behavioral health, substance abuse, and stigma reduction.
Some students directed their focus towards the mental well-being of farmers, a demographic disproportionately affected by high suicide rates. Raegann Blackwood, another junior at Clay Center High School, shared personal experiences and underscored the pressing need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health issues within agricultural communities.
The Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services views the program as a catalyst for empowering youth to voice their concerns and collaborate on solutions for pressing issues like mental health.
McDonald, drawing from personal struggles with mental health, emphasized the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions and enhancing support systems within schools. She advocated for increased education on mental health and the integration of professionals within school settings to equip both students and teachers with essential knowledge and resources.
Health officials revealed the program’s widespread reach, with 56 groups currently involved statewide. Plans are underway to expand participation by adding approximately 30 to 50 additional groups in the coming year, further amplifying the collective effort to address mental health challenges across Kansas.
