Vicere
In today’s rapidly changing and fast-paced world, adolescent mental health has emerged as a top priority. From academic and athletic pressures to social media and peer relationship challenges, young people are navigating complex situations that can negatively impact their well-being.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, but the topic is fraught with stigma and shame, making it difficult to discuss. The Jana Marie Foundation aims to encourage these important conversations through accessible mental health programs for young people and the adults who support them. For the past 12 years, the organization has worked tirelessly to increase protective factors for youth and raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2022 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, nearly one in three high school girls say they have considered suicide, an increase of 60% over the past decade. About 6 in 10 girls stopped participating in regular activities because of persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Closer to home, 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey data shows that 1 in 6 students in grades 6-12 have seriously considered suicide, and 1 in 8 have committed suicide. 1 in 10 have attempted suicide. These statistics are eye-opening and demonstrate the need to find new ways to support the youth in our communities.
The Jana Marie Foundation has become synonymous with innovation and mental health advocacy by taking a multifaceted approach that engages young people and their communities in compassionate conversations about mental health. The state university-based nonprofit organization offers interactive art workshops, educational classes, and more to create an environment where people of all ages can learn more about available resources and discuss mental health without fear of judgment. , and more than a dozen signature programs, including large-scale public events.
Providing young people with an outlet for creative expression promotes their mental health, encourages thinking ‘outside the box’ and gives them the ability to explore their own identity in a supportive environment. essential for giving. The Jana Marie Foundation’s after-school clubs, lunch bangle groups, and free summer camps all provide spaces that encourage young people to pursue their creative passions, vocalize their emotions, and learn how to grow healthily through times of transition. A unique example.
The adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” emphasizes the importance of investing in early intervention and prevention strategies. Informed caregivers, educators, and caring adults are the first line of defense. Adults don’t know where to turn for the resources and information they need to help children navigate life’s stresses.
The Foundation strives to bridge that gap by providing access to resources, support, and assistance through programs such as our online Candid Conversations video series. The Jana Marie Foundation also regularly provides evidence-based education courses to communities and businesses, including Mental Health First Aid, CALM Conversations, and QPR Suicide Prevention for Gatekeepers. These certification classes increase participants’ confidence in recognizing warning signs, encourage early intervention, and provide concrete action plans to start the conversation and connect with professional support if needed. The purpose is that.
The Jana Marie Foundation also recognizes that accessing mental health resources can be difficult for many people due to barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to services. The organization is working to break down geographic barriers through the creation of a new wellness mobile. The vehicle will serve as a mobile hub for mental health education and awareness, and will be a catalyst for change, delivering a range of services to support people in need in historically overlooked areas. .
Recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, the mobile unit also offers activities that promote overall health, such as yoga sessions, mindfulness exercises, and wellness workshops. The Jana Marie Foundation aims to empower individuals to lead their mental health journeys by addressing multiple aspects of health. Currently in the fundraising stage, the Jana Marie Foundation plans to have the vehicle on public roads by 2025.
As young people continue to navigate life’s complexities and transitions, investing in mental wellness initiatives like Wellness Mobile is not just a choice, but a necessity. Together, we can build a future where mental health is valued, supported and prioritized for everyone. Together, we can open our hearts and save lives.
To learn more about the Janamarie Foundation and its wellness initiatives and mental health classes, visit https://janamariefoundation.org/ or follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/janamariefoundation.
Marisa Vicere is the founder and president of the Jana Marie Foundation.
