In response to the growing need for mental health awareness and resources, three students from Capital High School in Boise, Idaho, have organized a free mental health fair to help provide valuable support for individuals across the community. The event was held at the Boise Library on Cole and Ustick, offering resources for children, teens, and adults struggling with mental health issues.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
The students—Alex Loveless, Jillian Thompson, and Lauryn Reed—are all members of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), an organization that empowers students to become leaders in the healthcare community through education, collaboration, and experience. For their project, they wanted to raise awareness about mental health and share the message that it’s okay not to be okay. Loveless, Reed, and Thompson shared their motivations for organizing the event, citing their personal experiences with mental health challenges and the tragedies that have affected their school community.
“With all that is happening right now, it’s important to take care of our mental health,” said Loveless. The girls emphasized the importance of making resources accessible to those who may be struggling and ensuring that individuals know help is available.
Supporting the Community Through Mental Health Resources
The mental health fair featured a variety of local organizations offering mental health services and information. The students invited several nonprofits and agencies from the Treasure Valley, including the V.A., Faces of Hope, Idaho Youth Ranch, Central District Health, Hand in Hand, and Children’s Home Services, to provide support for people in need.
Reed shared, “The goal here today is to try to offer as many resources as we can to people who are struggling.” These resources are particularly significant, given the increased awareness around mental health following recent tragedies within the school district.
Personal Impact and Tragedy in the Community
The students explained that their motivation for organizing the fair was deeply personal. Over the past two years, the Boise School District has been rocked by several tragedies, including the suicides of four peers and a teacher. These losses have left a profound impact on the students and the school community as a whole.
“We lost four of our peers in the past two years and a teacher just before Christmas,” said Jillian Thompson, reflecting on the emotional toll these events have had on everyone in the school. “It’s just impacted everyone, even if you don’t know the person personally,” added Reed.
These tragedies have led to a broader push within the district to enhance mental health support. The district has added more social workers, introduced prevention education, and worked to ensure students have access to trusted adults to talk to.
Collaborating for Mental Health Prevention
The mental health fair aims to be part of the solution, connecting the community with resources close to home. As Reed stated, “The goal of this event is to connect the community at large with resources that are very near to their homes and their schools.” By doing so, the students hope to provide an accessible starting point for individuals seeking help and support for their own mental health journeys.
The event also supports ongoing efforts by the Boise School District, which has reported decreases in student depression rates and suicidal thoughts, with 76% of students stating they have a trusted adult at school they can talk to about their feelings.
Empowering the Community for Positive Change
For the students behind the fair, being part of the solution has been a fulfilling experience. They not only helped provide a platform for mental health resources but also demonstrated leadership in raising awareness and opening up the conversation about mental health. Their efforts are a reminder that strong mental health is a community effort, and everyone deserves access to the support they need.
Conclusion
The mental health fair organized by these Capital High School students highlights the critical importance of addressing mental health issues, especially in light of recent events in the Boise community. By providing free resources, raising awareness, and fostering open conversations, the event contributed to the ongoing effort to improve mental health support and prevention within the school district and beyond.
