STEVENSVILLE — Throughout September, Kent Island High School is working to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention while reminding students that they do not have to face difficult times alone.
The school’s month-long initiative focuses on wellness, positive messaging and connecting students with resources. One of the main messages being shared throughout the school is “You Are Not Alone.” The campaign can be seen through school announcements, the Buc Report, banners and awareness displays around the building.
Students can participate by collecting awareness materials, including ribbons, bracelets, key chains, stickers, pencils and rubber ducks. These items help spread the campaign’s message and encourage students to start conversations about mental health and wellness.
Kent Island students have several resources available if they want to learn more or need support. Guidance counselors can provide information and help students find additional resources. Informational cards and flyers are also available throughout the school. The Students for Wellness Club promotes positive messaging and wellness while giving students opportunities to participate in school-wide events and activities.
The campaign is also connected to mental health and suicide prevention efforts happening throughout Queen Anne’s County. The county works with Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, the Health Department, the Sheriff’s Office and other community organizations to promote prevention and connect residents with available resources.
According to Queen Anne’s County Government, the county’s Character Counts! program works with the school system to provide students with age-appropriate lessons and messaging. The county also added funding during its most recent budget cycle to support mental health positions within the school system.
County officials said communication and coordination are important parts of their prevention efforts. The county works with different organizations to share information and resources so residents can more easily find appropriate services when they need help. The county also uses its website, social media and QACTV to share information from the Health Department, schools, Sheriff’s Office and other community partners.
Suicide data privacy concerns
According to Queen Anne’s County Health Officer Brice Strang, while suicide numbers for an individual county can be small, officials caution against drawing conclusions from limited data. Accurate suicide fatality data can take up to two years to be released to the public. Maryland’s Vital Statistics Administration does not release certain county rates when there are fewer than 20 cases in the numerator. This protects the privacy of individuals and prevents unreliable conclusions from small numbers.
Support
For students who are struggling or worried about a friend, support is available. Students can talk with a guidance counselor, trusted teacher, family member or another adult they feel comfortable approaching. They can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Mental health awareness at Kent Island is intended to continue beyond September. Heather Tranquill, senior class counselor, said she hopes students recognize that wellness and positive messaging should remain a part of school life throughout the year.
“Students can see and feel that innovation stays strong all year long,” Tranquill said.
The school’s campaign is part of a larger effort to make wellness something students can see, discuss and participate in throughout the year, not just during one awareness month.
The Mid-Shore Out of the Darkness Walk will take place in Easton on Oct. 11, giving community members another opportunity to support awareness and prevention efforts.
By providing information, resources and opportunities to participate, Kent Island hopes students will understand that supporting mental health is a responsibility shared by the entire school community.
The campaign’s message is simple: you are not alone, and asking for help is okay.
For immediate, confidential mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Addison Nogar is a senior at Kent Island High School and student writer contributing this semester to the Bay Times Record Observer.
