How You(th) Are the Key to Tackling the Stigma on Mental Health

Date: May 2020

The stigma on mental health, specifically within a school setting, aids in the already challenging task of treating common mental health needs among adolescents. Led by the School-Based Health Alliance’s Youth Advisory Council (YAC), this webinar will provide youth testimonials on SBHC work within this vital treatment area; tools and resources to aid in the development of language and programming to combat the stigma; and discuss how SBHCs are the ideal location for staff and youth to collaboratively address the stigma—leading to greater success in school and in life.

Presenter(s): 

• Baila Salifou:  A high school senior at South Hagerstown High School in Hagerstown, Maryland, Baila is a first year member of the Youth Advisory Council for the School-Based Health Alliance. Through the YAC, Baila hopes to learn more about the importance of advocacy and the possible application of school-based health centers on a global scale.
• Christina Vo:  A sophomore at Silver Creek High School in San Jose, California, Christina is a first-year member of the Youth Advisory Council for the School-Based Health Alliance. She believes that being part of the YAC gives her an opportunity to take initiative and speak out as a leader and engage with others on the health and social issues impacting teens today.
• Emma Bittar:  A senior at Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton, Florida, Emma is a first-year member of the Youth Advisory Council with the School-Based Health Alliance. After witnessing the negative effects of a lack of health education and services in her county, Emma advocated for the addition of a School Based Health Center into one of her county’s high schools and now serves on the board working to implement it.
• Andre Armour:  An MBA graduate from Albany State University, Andre realized that his purpose in life was to serve others in the capacity needed and believes that being on the Youth Advisory Council member with the School-Based Health Alliance will help him get closer to achieving that goal. He is also a first-year member of the YAC.
• Brooklyn Waller:  A first year member of the Youth Advisory Council, Brooklyn is a senior at Bryant High School in Benton, Arkansas. She is a founding member of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club at Bryant High School, is enthusiastic of helping others, and she is willing to serve in any capacity to enrich the overall health of those in both her school and community, focusing especially on childhood and youth related programs.