(WWLP) – Senator John Velis made a stop in Holyoke to recognize local outreach efforts targeting youth mental health this summer.
The partnership campaign was launched in June to better inform students and parents about the importance of mental health care. At the presentation, leaders from MiraVista and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts highlighted the importance of removing the stigma and letting the young ones around us know that it’s okay to ask for help.
“We know that the sooner we can intervene if we can catch someone who struggle with something really at a school age chances are if they get the right help it’s gonna prevent things in the future so just really important the earlier we can intervene,” said Senator Velis.
“School break over summer is welcomed by many students, but separation from school supports and friends can be isolating for some teens, including those with existing mental health diagnoses,” said Kimberley Lee, MiraVista Chief of Creative Strategy and Development.
According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 teens in the U.S. have experienced a mental health disorder.
By shining a light on this issue and spreading awareness on resources, young people can have access to care, prevention, and education.