#179: Youth Advisory Council Talks Mental Health, Education, and Community

Jake LaMore sits down with inspiring young leaders from the Pledge for Life Partnership Youth Advisory Council: Maya Crawford, Maya Anderson, and Regan Kaner. They delve into the crucial topic of youth mental health education in Kankakee County, discussing the current resources available in schools and how effective they are.

Maya Anderson highlights the various mental health resources like hotlines and counseling services provided by schools. Regan Kaner brings attention to the accessibility of school counselors and the visibility of mental health service posters, while Maya Crawford emphasizes the importance of normalizing mental health conversations and the need for improved representation and inclusivity.

The conversation doesn't stop there. Our guests propose insightful suggestions for improvement, such as training educators on intersectional mental health issues and increasing representation among staff and counselors. They also touch on the pressing need for engaging clubs and decision-making roles in schools to create a diverse and inclusive environment for all students.

One standout discussion point is the promotion of the 988 Crisis Hotline, a 24/7 resource offering free counseling via calls or texts, as noted by Maya Anderson and endorsed by the other guests.

Throughout the episode, host Jake LaMore steers the conversation to explore other facets of the guests' school experiences, like the lack of certain extracurricular activities and the impact of social media on mental health. Gabriella Fuentes adds a significant perspective by advocating for a renewed mental health tax and the importance of educating young people about local government and resource allocation.

How do these young leaders see the future of mental health education and resources in Kankakee County? What changes do they envision for a more supportive and equitable educational environment? You'll have to tune in to find out!

Join us as we discuss these critical issues with the next generation of leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their community. This is an episode you won't want to miss, especially if you care about youth mental health, education, and the future of Kankakee County.

Let's continue the conversation and work towards a better, more inclusive community, one step at a time. Don't forget to subscribe, review, and share this episode of the Kankakee Podcast!