2019 Awareness Day Final Report 2019_ADay_FinaReport_FINAL_pages | Page 25

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND
Based on a brainstorming session with their youth members, and
in partnership with the county school system, the ANNE ARUNDEL
COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH AGENCY held a backpack button design
contest to engage students before and on Awareness Day. Button contest
winners were announced at an Awareness Day event on May 9.
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS
The MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH partnered
with Youth MOVE Massachusetts for a ceremony to see the Burns Bridge
in Worcester light up green. The ceremony was preceded by a reception
where young adult artists shared their recovery stories and exhibited
artwork. Starting a trend, they also convinced officials in Boston to light
the Zakim Bridge and City Hall.
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA
For its first-ever Awareness Day observance, the MINNESOTA
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES worked with young adults to
plan an event focused on authentic youth engagement. At the event,
titled “Partnering with Youth,” young adults described the history of
youth leadership in the state to an audience of state-level human
services, health, corrections, and education staff. Participants were then
challenged to describe one step forward they would take to partner with
young adults this year.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
On May 6, PENNSYLVANIA CARE PARTNERSHIP collaborated with Youth
MOVE PA to make mental health the main topic at the state capitol—
which was lit up green all week for mental health awareness. At the
event, young adults with lived experience with mental health issues
experienced mental health advocacy firsthand, both by sharing their
stories and bringing their questions about mental health policy before
state legislators.
SUICIDE PREVENTION: STRATEGIES THAT WORK
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