The South Carolina MCH Story:

As participants in the Adolescent & Young Adult National Resource Center’s AYA Behavioral Health learning collaborative, the South Carolina team has strategically focused their resources on building partnerships with organizations around the state that are already addressing AYA emotional well-being, including the state’s local NAMI chapter. They are supporting SC NAMI in implementing their “Ending the Silence” campaign in high schools across the state. This campaign educates students, school staff, and the larger community on the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions and offers clear steps to take if an individual or loved one is in need of support. With the pandemic forcing students to spend less time physically inside their schools, the SC team has been proactive in promoting the NotOK app as a tool for youth that are experiencing mental health issues such as depression and axiety but can’t reach their typical resources in person. The app is designed and maintained by two young adults and their trusted furry companion (check out their “about us” page!).

Check out NAMI’s local chapter search page to identify the one closest to you and reach out to learn how your MCH program might be able to help spread their messaging, particularly during the pandemic.