School Wellness

Young People Share Impact of Sources of Strength in Ohio Schools

About the Guest(s): Sydni Howard is a sophomore at Green High School, recognized for her active participation in the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) Youth Advisory Council and Sources of Strength programs. She is deeply committed to cultivating a supportive school community through positive engagement and mental health advocacy. Sydni has a strong inclination towards healthy activities and spirituality, aiming to integrate these into her everyday life. Aarush Mantro is a senior at Saint Xavier High School in Finneytown. A dedicated member of the Sources of Strength initiative and the OSPF Youth Advisory Council, Aarush is passionate about mental health awareness and community collaboration. Through his engagement in these programs, Aarush strives to make a significant impact on promoting mental wellness among peers. Episode Summary: In this episode of "School Wellness with Amanda Hampton," young advocates Sydni Howard and Aarush Mantro join the show to delve into their experiences with the Sources of Strength program in Ohio schools. Amanda Hampton, the host, facilitates an engaging dialogue exploring the impact of suicide prevention initiatives within educational settings. Sydni and Aarush offer revealing insights into their backgrounds, sources training, and their significant roles in the OSPF Youth Advisory Council. The conversation sheds light on how the Sources of Strength program has revolutionized mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Ohio's school districts. The discussion includes the effectiveness of peer-led campaigns in breaking down mental health stigmas and encouraging open dialogues about wellness and self-care. With strategic keywords like "mental health advocacy," "peer-led campaigns," and "suicide prevention," this episode serves as a crucial resource for schools and communities aiming to foster supportive environments for youth well-being. Key Takeaways: * Positive Community Building: Sources of Strength programs foster a supportive community where students connect, share experiences, and support one another in mental health awareness. * Impactful Campaigns: Peer-led campaigns are essential in spreading mental wellness messages and engaging both students and staff in meaningful ways. * Diverse Representation: The inclusion of diverse student voices enhances the effectiveness and reach of mental health initiatives, allowing varied perspectives and talents to influence campaign implementation. * Youth Advocacy and Leadership: The engagement of young people in leadership roles within mental health programs highlights their critical role in fostering change and raising awareness in their communities. * Value of Reaching Out: Emphasizing the power of vulnerability and reaching out for support reinforces that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Notable Quotes: * "It was honestly a really good experience." - Sydni Howard on the sources training. * "I want to be a voice for people because...having a voice or reducing stigma...will help a lot." - Aarush Mantro on why mental health work is important to him. * "We do have our main leaders, our voices, and then it kind of branches off." - Sydni Howard on the diverse composition of the Sources of Strength team. * "Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness." - Aarush Mantro sharing a message to peers. * "Reach out. There's so many resources that are available." - Sydni Howard encouraging utilization of available supports. Resources: * Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) [https://www.ohiospf.org/] - Organization supporting suicide prevention efforts in Ohio. * Ohio School Based Center of Excellence [https://ohiosbcoe.org/] The episode offers invaluable insights into the strengths and support systems vital for young individuals navigating mental health challenges. Tune in to explore Sydni and Aarush's stories further, and stay informed on future episodes to engage with more inspiring content that addresses crucial topics within school wellness and mental health.

Melissa Slatzer - Sources of Strength

Guest: Melissa Slatzer is a dedicated school counselor and adult advisor for Sources of Strength at Glen Oak High School in Stark County, Ohio. With over 11 years of experience as a school counselor and an additional decade as a mental health counselor, Melissa brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. She is committed to fostering supportive educational environments and leveraging her mental health background to implement innovative wellness programs like Sources of Strength in schools. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of School Wellness with Amanda Hampton, we explore innovative suicide prevention efforts at Glen Oak High School in Ohio with school counselor Melissa Slatzer. The episode delves deep into how Glen Oak High School implements the Sources of Strength program, an evidence-based initiative fostering peer leadership and promoting mental health. Melissa shares her journey from mental health counseling to school counseling, emphasizing the power of teamwork in effecting positive change for students. This episode offers valuable insights into modern approaches to school-based wellness and suicide prevention, emphasizing upstream strategies. Melissa recounts the implementation and impact of Sources of Strength, sharing the selection process for peer leaders and adult advisors and how these elements come together to create a positive school culture. The discussion highlights the unique approach of Sources of Strength, which switches the focus from problem-centric to strength-centric conversations. Melissa and Amanda explore the importance of social networking theory, campaign planning with students, and fostering a supportive community within and outside the school environment. Their dialogue sheds light on how integration of wellness programs can significantly shift educational settings towards a more supportive, engaging, and fun atmosphere. Key Takeaways: * Implementation of Sources of Strength: Glen Oak High School successfully integrates Sources of Strength, focusing on social diversity in peer leadership. * Unique Approach: The program emphasizes upstream prevention and strength-based discussions rather than only focusing on risk. * Impact on School Culture: Since implementing Sources of Strength, Glen Oak has observed improvements in school climate, discipline, and peer interaction. * Importance of Fun: Games and fun activities are integral to meetings, helping generate creativity and foster engagement among students. * Community Involvement: Building community partnerships and focusing on mental health can significantly enhance the impact of wellness programs. Notable Quotes: * "When you have a multidisciplinary team of people who really are invested in caring about kids, you see more of an impact." * "Sources of Strength is radically upstream. It's taking the conversation to create protective factors for our young people." * "...Normalizing that there's going to be ups and downs in life is key." * "It's changed even the way that I provide counseling for kids, really looking at positive psychology and solution-focused ways." * "I would love to see kids prioritizing mental health and wellness as a goal." Resources: * Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence [https://sbcoe.ohio.gov/] * Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation [https://www.ohiospf.org/] Listen to the full episode for more inspiring insights on transforming school environments and promoting wellness through innovative programs. Stay tuned for more enriching discussions on the School Wellness podcast!

Evi Roberts - Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation & the Sources of Strength Program

the Guest(s): Evi Roberts serves as the Youth Program and Policy Manager at the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF). Evi plays a crucial role in supporting youth suicide prevention initiatives across Ohio, including the widely recognized program, Sources of Strength, and Be Present Ohio the Online Experience. With a background in mental health advocacy and policy coordination, Evi's work involves coordinating trainings, managing grants, and providing technical assistance to various schools and communities throughout Ohio. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "School Wellness," host Amanda Hampton reconnects with Evi Roberts from the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation to discuss exciting updates in youth suicide prevention programs in Ohio. Evi, a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, offers insights into the evolving Sources of Strength program, emphasizing the impact it's having across elementary, middle, and high school levels in Ohio. Throughout the conversation, the focus remains on the necessity of empowering youth through evidence-based practices and community engagement to foster resilience and reduce suicide risks. The episode delves into the impressive expansion of Sources of Strength programs, highlighting significant growth in student reach across Ohio. With Evi Roberts sharing statistics and personal success stories from schools, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how these programs are creating supportive environments for youth. Moreover, the conversation navigates through innovative approaches like the Youth Advisory Council, showcasing the active role that young individuals can play in transforming their communities through meaningful engagement and advocacy. This episode provides valuable insights into the proactive steps being taken within Ohio to address mental health and wellness among students. Key Takeaways: * Sources of Strength has expanded significantly in Ohio, reaching approximately 186,000+ students and continuing to grow across elementary, middle, and high schools. * The program is recognized for its holistic approach to improving mental wellness, fostering protective factors like family support, mentorship, and physical health. * The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is actively working with youth, providing mechanisms for them to become agents of change within their communities. * Innovative efforts such as the Youth Advisory Council are enabling young people to obtain hands-on experience in mental health advocacy and program development. * Continuous support and collaboration from various stakeholders, including the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (now called Ohio Department of Behavioral Health), are pivotal in ensuring the sustainability and success of these programs. Notable Quotes: * "Sources of Strength is for all people... and has impacts on universal populations." - Evi Roberts * "It's Sources (of Strength). They like to refer to the program as a radically upstream prevention program." - Evi Roberts * "Seeing these communities come together to be able to bounce back after a tragedy is such a humbling experience." - Evi Roberts * "The importance of this kind of work... is all vital because, when we invite young people and our schools to be a part of this work, it saves lives." - Evi Roberts Resources: * Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation [https://www.ohiospf.org/] * Be Present Ohio [https://www.bepresentohio.org/] * Nationwide Children's Hospital [https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/] * OhioSBCOE.org [https://OhioSBCOE.org] * For more webinars, trainings, and conferences from OSPF, visit their events page [https://www.ohiospf.org/events]. Listeners are encouraged to delve into the full episode to uncover the in-depth discussions shared by Amanda Hampton and Evi Roberts, and to anticipate more insightful content on the dynamics of school-based mental health initiatives in upcoming episodes. Stay tuned for further illuminating discussions dedicated to wellness and prevention efforts in schools.

Adrienne Carmack Brown - Empowering Youth: CADCA's Mission for Drug-Free Communities

About the Guest(s): Adrienne Carmack Brown works in youth development and substance use prevention, recently serving at CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) as part of their public health programs team. With over a decade of experience in youth-led prevention and community advocacy across the United States, Adrienne is deeply passionate about empowering local coalitions and youth-led initiatives to create sustainable, effective strategies against substance misuse. Episode Summary: In this episode of "School Wellness," hosted by Amanda Hampton, we delve into the multifaceted world of substance use prevention with expert guest Adrienne Carmack Brown. At the time of the interview, Adrienne was working at CADCA. The conversation spotlights the intricacies of community coalition building and the significance of youth engagement in prevention efforts. Adrienne shares her insights into the essential frameworks and strategies that CADCA employs to support grassroots initiatives aimed at reducing substance misuse within communities both nationally and globally. Listeners gain an in-depth understanding of the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and how it serves as a tool for developing data-driven, culturally competent interventions. The episode also explores CADCA's hallmark programs, such as the Drug-Free Communities program and the extensive training CADCA offers to both youth and adults. Adrienne emphasizes the importance of collaborative community efforts and robust support systems to foster environments where youth can thrive, thus reducing substance misuse risk factors. With rich insights and examples, the discussion unpacks how communities can access resources, advocate for funding, and sustainably impact public health. Key Takeaways: * Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF): Learn how CADCA's evidence-based model guides communities in developing sustainable interventions against substance misuse. * Youth Involvement: Discover how CADCA champions youth-led, adult-guided initiatives, emphasizing the value of youth as stakeholders in prevention efforts. * Community Engagement: Understand the role of CADCA in facilitating coalitions that include diverse sectors to tailor local solutions for substance misuse. * Programming & Training: Explore CADCA's robust training offerings for both youth and adults to build capacities in prevention and advocacy. * Long-term Impact: Recognize the importance of patience in prevention outcomes, acknowledging the marathon nature of coalition work against substance misuse. Notable Quotes: * "We are rooted in the idea that the best local solutions come from local knowledge." — Adrienne Carmack Brown * "It's really important that young people see you as a partner, not just an adult that's there." — Adrienne Carmack Brown * "Avoid random acts of prevention... we're looking for sustainable and effective long-term change." — Adrienne Carmack Brown * "It all comes down to those guiding principles of being youth-led and adult-guided." — Adrienne Carmack Brown * "Coalition work is hard, but very little gets done by an individual without a community behind them." — Adrienne Carmack Brown Resources: * CADCA: cadca.org [https://www.cadca.org/] * Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF): Approach for community-based interventions * National Coalition Academy: Training program for Drug-Free Communities program participants * Wilkes Youth Leadership Development (WILD): Example of effective youth-led coalition work The insights shared by Adrienne Carmack Brown in this episode provide a deep dive into the frameworks and strategies vital for sustainable substance misuse prevention. Tune in to hear the entire conversation and gain more knowledge about fostering drug-free communities through youth engagement and community coalitions. Stay connected with "School Wellness" for upcoming episodes packed with valuable content.

Suzanne Aftabizadeh - Empowering Appalachian Youth Through Prevention and Community Collaboration

About the Guest(s): Suzanne Aftabizadeh is a dedicated professional in the field of public health, hailing from Athens, Ohio. A native of the region, Suzanne pursued her studies at Ohio University where she focused on biology and Spanish. Passionate about women's health and child welfare, she served two years with ComCor, an AmeriCorps program linked with the Ohio University Medical School, which deepened her commitment to public health and health education. Currently, Suzanne is at the helm of the Youth Led Prevention Council at the Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC), where she plays a pivotal role in spearheading efforts to bring prevention programming to underserved Appalachian communities. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of School Wellness hosted by Amanda Hampton, Suzanne Aftabizadeh of the Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) joins us to delve into the multifaceted world of youth-led prevention work in Appalachian Ohio. The conversation focuses on Suzanne's journey, her current role, and the significant impact of ACC's initiatives on the regional communities. Youth-Led Prevention and Community Engagement: Suzanne shares her experiences and the ACC's mission to empower youth in Appalachia through strategic prevention programming. The discussion reveals how the ACC fosters youth leadership by addressing historical underrepresentation and the acute needs of the Appalachian region, such as high poverty rates and limited access to mental health care. Suzanne eloquently advocates for the community-driven approach of the ACC, emphasizing the importance of listening to the unique needs and cultural aspects of each community within the 32 counties served by the coalition. Enhancing Resources and Youth Empowerment: The episode dives into the ACC's vision to improve health and well-being through collective advocacy and strategic investments. Suzanne highlights how youth-led prevention efforts not only empower young people but also build community partnerships to deliver vital resources. The conversation underscores the essential role of youth voice in crafting effective prevention programs, illustrating the transformative power of involving young leaders in tackling the pressing issues of mental health, substance abuse, and education outcomes in the Appalachian region. Key Takeaways: * The Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC) is committed to empowering youth and addressing the dire need for resources in the underserved Appalachian region of Ohio. * Youth-led prevention efforts are crucial for transforming mental health and educational outcomes, with young leaders positioned at the forefront of advocacy and action. * Building community partnerships and enhancing existing local resources are central to ACC's strategy to deliver impactful and sustained support to Appalachian communities. * Suzanne Aftabizadeh emphasizes the importance of integrating youth voice in prevention programming, aligning with the ACC's mission to foster resilience and access to opportunities for young people. * Addressing barriers like lack of Internet access, transportation, and entrenched stigmas require tailored approaches that resonate with the unique cultures of Appalachian communities. Notable Quotes: 1. "Youth listen to youth. That's something I've learned as someone who's not too far out of high school." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh 2. "Prevention is this wonderful umbrella term because pretty much anything positive that wants a positive outcome can fall under that prevention umbrella." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh 3. "The Appalachian Children Coalition really started to address the lack of access to mental health care specifically for young people." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh 4. "Involving youth in these processes not only gives them voice but crafts the foundation upon which they can build their futures." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh 5. "We want our communities to thrive and not to have to leave the region just to get access to a medical doctor or a therapist." - Suzanne Aftabizadeh Resources: * Learn more about joining or supporting the Appalachian Children Coalition through their website [https://www.appchildren.org/] (URL not explicitly mentioned in the transcript). * Connect with Amanda Hampton and the Ohio School Based Center of Excellence at Miami University for resources on school-based prevention and early intervention support [https://ohiosbcoe.org/]. For a deeper understanding of how youth-led prevention is shaping the future of Appalachian communities, be sure to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more insightful discussions from School Wellness with Amanda Hampton.