The Chatham Child Wellbeing Collaborative is set to host the CommUNITY: Mind Matters event on April 12, providing a supportive avenue for mental health awareness and community bonding. Scheduled to take place at the Ernest Ramsey Gym located at 512 E. 6th St. in Siler City, NC, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, this initiative offers a range of activities designed for all ages, with an emphasis on families and individuals. The free event features food, live music, and guest speakers, along with readily available community resources.
A notable highlight of the upcoming CommUNITY: Mind Matters is the opportunity for local teens to engage in social activities that encourage emotional well-being. Participants are invited to take a mental health pledge, a move to show support for mental well-being, which also grants them an entry into a prize raffle. This event unfolds against a backdrop where, according to a report last Wednesday from the Chatham County website, "one in five North Carolina high school students seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021, an increase from 16% in 2017."
These stark statistics reflect a growing concern for youth mental health which, as reported by the Chatham County website, has led clinicians to declare a "National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health" back in October 2021. The prompt response advocated by stakeholders includes dismantling the obstacles to care, augmenting mental health services in educational settings – particularly those situated in rural areas – and enhancing overall access to crisis interventions. The safekeeping of firearms and proper management, and storage of prescription drugs are also among the strategies aimed at mitigating self-harm risks amongst the younger population.
The collaborative nature of the Chatham Child Wellbeing Collaborative opens its doors to a varied group of community members, families, youth organizations, and interested parties who are committed to addressing the complex needs of children with mental health, behavioral health, or substance use issues, including those with intellectual or developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injury who are involved in one or more systems such as child welfare, juvenile justice or health care. "Bringing attention to mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage more families and children to seek the help they need without fear of judgment," Tia Brown, Youth Health & Tobacco Initiatives Lead at the Chatham County Public Health Department, highlighted in a statement.
