Kentuckians Encouraging Youth to Succeed (KEYS), a part of the Department for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addiction Services, will gather Saturday, May 9, at the Newport Aquarium to emphasize the importance of children’s mental health awareness.
Youth involved with the KEYS program along with students from Covington Holmes High School’s modeling club will conduct a fashion show and education event to promote awareness and reach out to their peer groups. The event will be at 5:30 p.m. at the aquarium. Tickets are required for entry, but the event is open to all media.
“Awareness of mental health issues, particularly for children, adolescents and teenagers, is important as we move forward in the recognition of mental health, accessible and affordable treatment, and erasing the stigma attached to mental illness,” said Devon Lindsey, KEYS marketing specialist. “Northern Kentucky teens want to show their peers that it’s possible to thrive when youth with mental concerns have the right supports and services available.”
An original educational video produced by students from The Art Institute of Ohio-Cincinnati profiling youth in the show will be featured. Additionally, program participants will stage a fashion show showcasing a variety of fashions in the shade of green – the color symbolizing children’s mental health awareness – donated by Plato’s Closet, with hair and make-up from Art Institute students.
The goal of the event is to reach out to teens in northern Kentucky, bringing children’s mental health issues to the forefront. Ultimately, the program aims to help young people feel comfortable addressing mental health needs.
“One in five children and adolescents has a mental health disorder, and one in 10 has a serious emotional disturbance, but many of our young people don’t know how to seek help,” said Lindsey. “We have to erase the stigma attached to mental illness so that our young people can get the help they need and thrive in the community.”
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