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In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Manchester School District in New Hampshire has launched the M-Power campaign to promote mental health and school safety resources for middle and high school students. The Manchester Ink Link reported that students from across the district, including Central High School, took part in hanging campaign materials, aiming to reduce the stigma around mental health and encourage peers to seek support. The campaign also emphasizes the importance of students speaking up if they become aware of potential threats to school or personal safety.
Funded by the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Project Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education (Project AWARE), M-Power is part of a broader effort to improve student wellbeing. Manchester is one of three school districts in New Hampshire to receive this five-year grant, supporting the district’s implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Support for Behavioral Health and Wellness (MTSS-B). This framework provides comprehensive social, emotional, and behavioral support to improve student attendance, engagement, and academic success.
According to Stacy Champey, Project AWARE Director, implementing district-wide mental health promotion and violence prevention is crucial for fostering a supportive school environment. She highlighted the need to increase awareness of mental health resources among students, parents, and staff, ensuring they know how to access these services effectively.
The need for such initiatives has become more urgent, as counselors in the district report rising levels of anxiety and depression, especially following the pandemic. Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) shows that 36% of students in Manchester and surrounding areas, including Bedford and Goffstown, have experienced prolonged periods of sadness or hopelessness. Moreover, nearly 55% of students reported rarely or never seeking help when struggling emotionally.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel emphasized the importance of communication between students, families, and schools, noting that building trust early on, especially in middle school, increases the chances of students utilizing available mental health resources effectively.
U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan visited Southside Middle School on October 7 to learn more about M-Power and meet with students. She expressed her support for the campaign, recognizing its role in addressing the growing need for mental health services among young people. Senator Hassan also participated in a roundtable discussion with school officials from Manchester, Concord, and Laconia, discussing the broader impact of Project AWARE across the state.
The Manchester School District, the largest in New Hampshire, serves over 12,000 students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. Through initiatives like M-Power, the district aims to create a safer, more supportive environment for its students, promoting mental health and wellbeing at all levels.
If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health or addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery. Our experienced addiction specialists have successfully helped transform the lives of thousands of people, and can help you too. We provide the highest level of treatment in an inclusive, non-judgmental environment. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery.