QPR for School Staff in Chelsea, Salem, and for the Department of Public Health
This week we presented QPR, Question, Persuade, Refer: Suicide Prevention Training, to providers through the Department of Health, staff at Phoenix Academy in Chelsea, and to staff at Salem Academy Charter School.
Tabling at Montserrat College of Art
Our Peer Mentor, Kay-Kay, tabled at Montserrat College of Art’s Career and Internship Fair today. We have hired students from Montserrat in the past, and many of our Peer Mentors are currently in college, so it was great to be a part of this event, talking to students about the Peer Mentor role.
Presentations to 275 Students in Melrose and Everett
Over the past week we presented to 152 students at Melrose High School and 123 students at George Keverian Middle School in Everett. The students had great questions about the process of getting a mental health diagnosis, when to call a crisis hotline, and how to support a friend who is reluctant to reach out for help. We especially enjoyed getting to pet the school service dog in Melrose, Tinker!
Emerson Health Grant of $4,000
We thank Emerson Health for awarding The NAN Project a grant of $4,000 for mental health and suicide prevention programming in Chelmsford High School, Mass. We are so appreciative for this generous contribution and can’t wait to be back in Chelmsford!
Presentations in Salem, Beverly, and Revere
This week our Peer Mentors presented to 36 6th graders and 46 8th graders at Saltonstall School in Salem, 119 students at Revere High School, and presented QPR to 54 school staff at Beverly Middle School, 37 staff members at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, and virtually to 20 youth at the Mary’s Center in Washington D.C.! It was great to present to folks in so many different capacities this week.
Amy Kerr’s “I Am More Reception” at Massachusetts Statehouse
Today, we had the pleasure of attending the “I Am More: Massachusetts” reception at the Massachusetts Statehouse. Thank you to the amazing Amy Kerr for using her art to showcase the stories of struggle, resilience and strength in those with mental health challenges and disabilities. We greatly appreciate the wonderful portrait of our Bilingual Outreach Coordinator, Karla, and all the portrait subjects who proudly shared their stories.
A big thank you to Senator Bruce Tarr, and Senator Joan B. Lovely for commemorating Amy, the subjects of “I Am More,” and the organizations working to support those living with mental health challenges.
“I Am More: Massachusetts” will be on display in the Fourth Floor Exhibit Area of the Statehouse through Friday January 20th, and then at the Northshore Mall in Peabody on Saturday, January 21st, for those who would like to view the collection in person. You can also check out the I Am More Collection digitally here!
Youth Speak on Mental Health on Fox 25 News!
Tonight, The NAN Project helped high school students involved in youth advocacy in their communities talk about mental health on Fox 25 News! Five students joined from La Colaborativa in Chelsea, two from Youth Action in Wakefield, and two from Mental Health Ambassadors in Gloucester. We’d like to give a big thank you to Kerry Kavanaugh and the Boston Fox News team for giving the students the opportunity to talk about what mental health has looked like in their schools. Each of these incredible students are passionate about improving mental health in their communities and we’re so glad we had the opportunity to connect with them. The segment is set to air in a few weeks, we hope you check it out!
Presentations to 232 Students in Chelmsford and Lowell
Over the past two days, we’ve presented to 134 students at Chelmsford High School and 98 students at Lowell High School. It was great to start off the new year speaking to so many young people about mental health!
Presentations to High Schools in Burlington, Swampscott, and Lynn
Over the past two days, we’ve presented to 66 students at Swampscott High School and 38 students at Burlington High School, as well as the Diversity and Equity Inclusion Club at Lynn Classical High School. Our team also spent last week delivering the donations from our Holiday Drive to the YouForward access center in Lawrence and Youth Elemento in Chelsea. It was great to start conversations at these three schools and further material support for youth before the New Year!
Presentations to 87 Students at Gloucester High School
