“If we have students speaking that are educated in what mental health actually is, talking about mental health, like they’re speaking with a friend – I think that’s could really save lives,” said Victoria Mirch, a peer advisor.
Last week, members from the Hope Empowerment Coalition Student Leadership team, Victoria Mirch and Josh Patterson sat down with Fox 2 Reporter Hilary Golston to share their experiences and why this work to support Mental health is so important. “You really want to talk to them and be open with them,” Josh said. “Personally students have come to me, and you want to be open about what you’ve dealt with, and how you’ve overcome it, and that you’re there for them.”
Brian Galdes, former South Redford School Superintendent and Coalition Coordinator says, “When a student is in crisis, their friends and peers are the first to know,” Galdes said. The children will give the adults ideas on how to best support their peers. Galdes says the coalition model could be duplicated elsewhere – and they are considering it, to make sure kids never have to suffer alone.
This Coalition first started out of a Community Health Needs Assessment at Trinity Health Livonia in 2015. Growth Works worked with the health system, local schools and other involved organizations to bring this coalition to life and brought the necessary funding to launch this work. This Fall, the Coalition will be hosting their fourth annual Mental Health Conference to support school mental health professions with a day of education and learning. For more information about the Hope Empowerment Coalition and their many efforts, please contact Alice Reinke at Alice.Reinke@gwcares.org.
For the full story that aired on Fox 2, click here.