(CHCC) — In partnership with the Public School System, Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. staff members were invited to meet with Dandan Middle School’s Youth Advisory Panel on Monday. The panel included eight student leaders and three AmeriCorps students.
CHCC said Community Guidance Center’s Mia Jones, Lei Iguel, and Elora Masga shared information on behavioral health topics that the students felt were a concern among their peers.
These efforts were conducted in preparation for the Youth Advisory Panel’s school-wide two-day workshop which will be spearheaded by the student leaders.
Part of the CHCC-CGC’s presentation on Monday included an introduction of the suicide prevention help card and a demonstration of how to utilize the card to discuss prevention strategies and provide referral services with peers.
The students, for their part, worked on goal-setting and identifying healthy coping strategies, natural support, and safe spaces during challenging times.
In addition, they participated in a presentation about depression and anxiety, as well as the distinction between healthy and unhealthy coping.
Both topics were paired with engaging activities that taught the students about signs and symptoms, risk and protective factors, and ways to get help.
They also participated in a question and answer segment, followed by guidance on how to share what they’ve learned with their peers for the two-day workshop schedule for next month.
CHCC-CGC commends the DMS student leaders for being proactive in spreading awareness and ensuring the well-being of their peers.
CHCC-CGC at the same time acknowledges the valued partnership between CHCC and PSS to promote health and wellness among CNMI youth and families.
For more information about CHCC programs, go to www.chcc.gov.mp or call 234-8950.
Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. staff members discuss behavioral health with Dandan Middle School students.
Contributed photo
