Single Post

Through efforts spearheaded by Dr. Kamela Patton, Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools, a new student mental health awareness campaign called “We Care” was launched in December 2015. This is one of several initiatives developed through a collaborative partnership between David Lawrence Centers, the school system, National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to develop new strategies and initiatives that will assist with prevention, early intervention, treatment and improved care coordination for children with mental health concerns. Through an open dialog, the group is identifying ways to intervene early and address concerns to improve safety, wellness and student achievement. The collaboration is committed to the health and happiness of our children and is dedicated to addressing the complex needs and challenges of today’s youth.

The We Care Campaign is targeted toward middle school and high school students. The goal of the campaign is to open the dialog about stigma, warning signs of suicide, depression, substance use and bullying as well as provide tips on how to access help and how to help someone who may struggling. The campaign launched with an initial video featuring school staff, student leaders and athletes as well as executives from each of the four partners. Planned throughout the school year are targeted videos on each of the four subjects that will be played on the morning news in all middle school and high schools, each partner’s website and the education channel. Additional educational opportunities will be aired on the Education Channel’s new Beyond the Classroom show that goes behind the scenes in the schools and tells the often untold, important stories that affect children in Collier County.