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World Mental Health Day was an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind this year’s theme “Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.
Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone has a right to the highest standards of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care.
Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. However, many people worldwide are living with conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.
We at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) conducted our third annual Mental Health Service Day on Tuesday, Oct. 10, in conjunction with World Mental Health Day. This event was an opportunity for schools to showcase the resources and innovative programs available to students. Another reason M-DCPS is your best choice for engaging your children in activities that support their overall mental wellness and focus on resiliency.
M-DCPS has long prioritized the social, emotional and well-being of students, and we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. It is important for students to have access to the resources and support they need to maintain good mental health. M-DCPS Mental Health Service Day provides schools a platform to raise awareness of mental health and promote positive mental wellness among students.
Marlissa Rodriguez, an 18-year veteran counselor at South Miami K-8 Center knows that she plays a significant role in making children feel safe and happy. “We’re here to empower students. It’s a positive interaction between counselor and student. When they walk in here, we want them to feel that there is a solution, a way to fix the problem. Teachers are here to teach, whereas counselors give them one-on-one attention.”
By showcasing resources and engaging students in activities that support their mental well-being, schools can help students to thrive both academically and emotionally. To highlight this special day schools involved school-based mental health professionals, community agencies, organizations, partners, and student leaders in the Mental Wellness Clubs to help to support the organization and design of the event at all K-12 schools.
M-DCPS has 542 school counselors, 61 trust counselors, 107 school social workers, 195 school psychologists and nine art therapists. There are also 143 mental health coordinators who provide another layer of direct support to students in families in need of services. They assist students and families with social, emotional, and physical developmental needs to maximize our student’s success and well-being.
School activities included:
• Resource Fair to provide students with information about the various resources available to support their social, emotional, and mental well-being.
• Highlighting the school’s mental health support staff, services, programs, and initiatives: Educate students about the different ways that the school can support their mental health.
• Morning and afternoon announcements focused on positive mental wellness: Share tips and strategies for students to improve their mental wellness.
• Videos/webinars pertaining to positive mental wellness and mindfulness activities: How to be resilient, coping strategies, de-stress activities, etc.
For more information visit our website at mentalhealthservices.dadeschools.net.
Sally Alayon is assistant superintendent, Office of Mental Health & Student Services, Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
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