OAK HILL, WV (WOAY)- Oak Hill High School has a unique student-led mental health program. They held a conference today to help other counties start their own programs.
Oak Heal Outreach Team is a group of 25 students who are committed to helping other students.
“If we see a problem in the school system or someone who is struggling with mental health, we’re able to go to our counselors, our therapists and our social workers for them to be able to help the student,” said Jordan Harris, the social media coordinator for the Oak Heal Outreach Team.
The group has had success although it’s only in its second year. Students wanted to share that with other schools to help bring light to mental health. This student-led conference was called Heroes Among Us.
“Today’s event is basically to show other counties how to establish this in their school and the steps that we took to be where we are in some of the events that we have,” explained Harris. “From the interviewing process to how we get the word out, to the events that we plan.”
There were a variety of activities and discussion sessions to give these other schools resources. This program works because the students on this team span a variety of grades and clubs, which helps students connect with them.
“I’m a cheerleader here at Oak Hill High School, and I think that’s really important to have a familiar face around the school to know that somebody is advocating for them and looking out for them. So that’s ultimately why I joined,” explained Jayla Lynch, a member of the Oak Heal Outreach Team. “And it’s also let people know that they’re not the only ones struggling. There’s also me, who struggles with mental health issues. I think it’s important that to know that we’re all human going through things.”
Even though this conference was only for a day, their message was clear.
“I just want to say that I think implementing this program into all schools is only beneficial, and I think it’s important to raise awareness of mental health from the ages of elementary until you grow up to be a grown adult,” said Harris.
