Jana Marie Foundation Promotes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention – PA Business Central | Marcellus Business Central

In today’s rapidly changing and fast-paced world, the mental health of our youth has emerged as a top priority. From the pressures of academic and athletic performance to the challenges of social media and peer relationships, young people are navigating a complex landscape that can take a toll on their well-being.

Mental health is equally as important as physical health, yet stigma and shame surround the topic making it difficult to discuss. Jana Marie Foundation seeks to encourage these important conversations through accessible mental health programs for young people and the adults who support them. For the past 12 years, the organization has worked tirelessly to increase protective factors for youth and raise awareness about mental wellness and suicide prevention.

According to the2022 Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 3 high school girls said they had considered suicide, a 60% increase over the past decade. About 6 in 10 girls were so persistently sad or hopeless that they stopped engaging in regular activities. Bringing it closer to home, the 2021 Pennsylvania Youth Survey data shows that 1 in 6 students in 6th through 12th grade have seriously considered suicide, 1 in 8 have a plan for suicide, and 1 in 10 have attempted suicide. These statistics are eye-opening and demonstrate the necessity for finding novel ways to support the young people in our community.

Jana Marie Foundation has become synonymous with innovation and mental health advocacy by employing a multifaceted approach to engage young people and their communities in compassionate conversations about mental well-being. The State- College-based nonprofit conducts over a dozen signature programs, including interactive art workshops, educational classes, and larger public events, to create environments where people of all ages can learn more about available resources and discuss mental health without fear of judgment.

Providing young people with outlets for creative expression is vital for fostering their emotional well-being, encouraging “outside-the-box” thinking, and empowering them to explore their identities in a supportive environment. Jana Marie Foundation’s after-school clubs, lunch bunch groups, and free summer camps are all unique examples of spaces that invite young people to pursue their creative passions, voice their feelings, and learn healthy ways to grow through their transitional years.

The saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” underscores the importance of investing in early intervention and preventative strategies. Well-informed caregivers, educators, and caring adults are the first line of defense. Too often, adults don’t know where to turn to find the resources and information they need to help children navigate the stresses of life.

The Foundation endeavors to bridge that gap, providing access to sources of information, support, and assistance through programs like our online “Candid Conversations” video series. Jana Marie Foundation also regularly offers evidence-based education courses, like Mental Health First Aid, C.A.L.M. Conversations, and QPR Suicide Prevention for Gatekeepers to the community and to corporations. These certification classes seek to help participants grow their confidence in recognizing warning signs, encourage early intervention, and provide tangible action plans for starting a conversation and connecting to professional support, if needed.

Jana Marie Foundation also recognizes that accessing mental health resources can be challenging for many individuals due to barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness, or limited access to services. The organization is working to break down geographical barriers through the creation of a new Wellness Mobile. This vehicle will serve as a mobile hub for mental health education and awareness and will be a catalyst for change, offering a range of services in historically overlooked areas to support those in need.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, the mobile unit will also offer activities that promote overall wellness, such as yoga sessions, mindfulness exercises, and wellness workshops. By addressing the various facets of wellness, Jana Marie Foundation aims to empower individuals to take charge of their mental health journey. Though currently in the fundraising phase, Jana Marie Foundation plans to have the vehicle on the road by 2025.

As young people continue to navigate the complexities of life and transitional years, investing in mental wellness initiatives, like the Wellness Mobile, is not just a choice— it’s a necessity. Together, we can build a future where mental health is valued, supported, and prioritized for all. Together, we can open minds and save lives.

To learn more about Jana Marie Foundation and it’s wellness initiatives and mental health classes, please visit https:// janamariefoundation.org/ or follow on Facebook at Facebook.com/janamariefoundation.

Marisa Vicere is the Founder and President of the Jana Marie Foundation