FRANKLIN, N.C. (WLOS) — For the second year, a girl organized a youth mental health rally in Franklin. And this year, she captivated top state health officials as a keynote speaker.
Gracie Parker, 11, led “Why Not Us?” On Sunday, April 28, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Cody Kinsley will be the keynote speaker at a rally in Franklin.
Gracie’s mother died of drug abuse when Gracie was a baby. Since she was five years old, Gracie has been helping children, especially elementary school students, who are facing trauma and mental health issues.
The first year of the rally was 2023.
“Kids can’t learn unless they’re healthy and healthy, and they can’t be healthy and vibrant if we don’t take care of their behavioral health,” Kinsley said. “Gracie travels all over the state. I met her at the Cherokee Mental Health Town Hall about a year ago. She has also been to Washington, D.C., to promote the importance of mental health. It’s an issue that we’re really passionate about in our department. ”
The event provided visitors with an opportunity to learn about resources that can help address and improve behavioral health.
Gracie and Kinsley both echoed the hope that the congregation and its influence will continue to grow over the years.
CNN Wire
™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2024 CNN. All rights reserved.
