Seven area high schools awarded funding for World Teen Mental Wellness Day

High Schools can still apply for funding until February 17

bi3 and the Hamilton County Commission on Women & Girls announced funding awards for seven Hamilton County High Schools to foster student engagement for World Teen Mental Wellness Day. Each school will receive $500 to support the student-led ideas that will provide mental health awareness, resources and skills.

Mental health struggles, especially anxiety and depression, are common in teenagers. However, findings show that stigma prevents many teens from seeking help. Many don’t know the resources available in their own schools and communities, and too few know how to engage in self-care. World Teen Mental Wellness Day is observed annually on March 2 to raise awareness for the mental health issues teenagers face daily, promote mental wellness, determine solutions and raise awareness.

Application deadline extended

Hamilton County High Schools can still apply for up to $500 in funding. Students only need to fill out a simple application, which can be found at bi3.org/teenmentalhealth. One application per school is allowed and must be signed by the principal. The final deadline for applications is February 17, 2023.

Schools receiving funding and planned activities include:

• Anderson High School: Give out stress relieving tools such as coloring books, fidget toys, etc. and creating a week-long “mental health tic-tac-toe board” challenge for students
• Dohn Community High School’s Keeping Teen Moms in School Program: Dedicate the day to journaling and reflection by distributing notebooks and pens and hosting a local writer to inspire and guide the students in their activities
• Madeira High School: Promote mental health training and resources with stickers, info cards and social media support
• Northwest High School: Create a “wellness room” containing self-care stations for students to experience, learn about and adopt various self-care practices
• Reading Junior Senior High School’s New Sources of Strength program: Distribute suicide prevention awareness bracelets printed with resource information
• Saint Ursula Academy: Display positive mental health awareness posters in school halls and classrooms, as well as host a featured guest speaker
• Walnut Hills High School: Encourage students to participate in self-care with distributed stress balls and mini-journals