May is mental health awareness month and May 9th is Child Mental Health Awareness Day. Youth in Ohio began a tradition 14 years ago to hold a rally at the Ohio State House in order to bring awareness to children's & young adults's mental health needs. Participants were fed lunch and given "swag" such as t-shirts & drawstring bags. There were a variety of speakers including: NAMI, Parents, Youth Leaders, Youth, the director of OHMAS, a juvenile court judge and 2 politicians. The rally always concludes with the formation of a Resiliency Ring on the State House lawn. Following the rally, participants made their way to a resource fair held at a nearby exhibition hall. Athens County youth Jade, Teagan and Kenna helped facilitate the event.
Check out the slideshow below of the 14th Annual Resiliency Ring.
