Keynote speaker Mark Anthony Garrett speaks to the crowd on Wednesday at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney during the Kim Foundation’s Nebraska School Mental Health Conference.
Alexis Stoffers
On Wednesday, a conference room at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney was packed full of people waiting to learn from keynote speaker Mark Anthony Garrett, who experienced many hardships in his childhood.
Alexis Stoffers
Grace Manley is the director of the Nebraska chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Alexis Stoffers
Sally Carlson works for Nebraska Department of Education as a psychological first aid lead. She and Suicide Prevention Specialist Kimberly Jacobson answered questions at an informational booth at the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference.
Alexis Stoffers
Collective Bargaining Specialist Jen Dubas, left, and Organizational Specialist Jason Wiese work for Nebraska State Education Association. They are currently trying to obtain 90,000 signatures in 90 days to fight against the recently-passed LB 753. They were accepting signatures for their petition at the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference Wednesday and Thursday. "We advocate for teachers, staff and students in public schools," said Dubas.
Alexis Stoffers
Craig Peterson, co-op director of Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council, answered questions and passed out information at a booth at the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference.
Mental health in schools was the theme of a conference at Kearney’s Younes Conference Center last week, bringing mental health experts, educators and community members together.
Julia Hebenstreit, executive director of The Kim Foundation, said, “Students spend a majority of their time at school and with educators, which is why it's more important than ever for schools to have appropriate services, resources and staff to address and maintain youth mental health.”
More than 2.5 million youth in the United States have severe depression, according to a conference news release. Sixty percent of those students do not receive any mental health treatment.
“It’s a difficult time to be a young person, and we know that many school-age children and teenagers don’t have access to essential mental health services,” Hebenstreit said.
Participants attended breakout sessions and listened to expert speakers from across the nation, discussing comprehensive mental health services in schools and how they can be best utilized to improve social, emotional and physical wellbeing of youth. A panel of students from Randolph, North Bend, Alliance, Gering and Millard West High Schools told the story of mental health in schools through the eyes of students themselves.
The Nebraska School Mental Health Conference was presented by The Kim Foundation and Educational Service Unit #3.
The Kim Foundation focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention in Nebraska, by linking individuals, organizations and communities. The Kim Foundation also provides legislative advocacy, awareness campaigns and programming to help those affected by suicide loss.
In Nebraska, suicide is the No. 2 cause of death for people ages 10-24, conference materials state. Learn more about The Kim Foundation at TheKimFoundation.org.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal crisis or emotional distress, call or text the 988 Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support, prevention and crisis resources.
PHOTOS: Nebraska School Mental Health Conference in Kearney
Educators can save their students' lives
Packed conference room
Mark Anthony Garrett, keynote speaker
Keynote speaker at podium
Audience raising their hands
Gratitude board
Colorful photo backdrop
Booths
Younes Conference Center North
Sign in lobby entrance
Jennifer Krajewski, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Grace Manley, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's upcoming local events
Sally Carlson, Nebraska Department of Education
988 posters
Jen Dubas and Jason Wiese, Nebraska State Education Association
Craig Peterson, ESU
What is Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council?
Annie Albin, MHTTC
Wally Conrad, Al-Anon
Chelsea Hunter, CHI Health
Mental health resources offered by CHI Health
Jessica Votipka is the education reporter at the Grand Island Independent. She can be reached at 308-381-5420.
Keynote speaker Mark Anthony Garrett speaks to the crowd on Wednesday at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney during the Kim Foundation’s Nebraska School Mental Health Conference.
On Wednesday, a conference room at Younes Conference Center North in Kearney was packed full of people waiting to learn from keynote speaker Mark Anthony Garrett, who experienced many hardships in his childhood.
Sally Carlson works for Nebraska Department of Education as a psychological first aid lead. She and Suicide Prevention Specialist Kimberly Jacobson answered questions at an informational booth at the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference.
Collective Bargaining Specialist Jen Dubas, left, and Organizational Specialist Jason Wiese work for Nebraska State Education Association. They are currently trying to obtain 90,000 signatures in 90 days to fight against the recently-passed LB 753. They were accepting signatures for their petition at the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference Wednesday and Thursday. "We advocate for teachers, staff and students in public schools," said Dubas.
Craig Peterson, co-op director of Nebraska ESU Coordinating Council, answered questions and passed out information at a booth at the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference.