Project Summary

(Project in Process)

Bachmeyer Press was awarded a $135,000 grant from Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OHMAS) to manage and implement a new strategy for the youth-led Hey, I’m Here campaign. Under our leadership, 15 new youth formed the campaign’s first “Resilience Squad.” The Squad met monthly to practice mind-body resilience skills and offer their insights.

The campaign ran bi-lingual content in English and Spanish on Instagram and Tik Tok, created by and for youth on their mental health and recovery journeys.

Desire

To increase access to state and national resources and referral services for Ohio youth online, and for youth directly involved to have the opportunity to share resources while practicing mind/body resilience skills together every month.

Motivation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2019, a 40 percent increase since 2009. In 2019, approximately 1 in 6 youth reported making a suicide plan in the past year, a 44% increase since 2009 (CDC website, Oct. 2021). Since that data point was reported, we have seen the effects of a global pandemic and racial injustices that have led to an even greater mental health crisis today. It’s important for youth to know there are resources and opportunities to connect with others going through similar struggles and that they are not alone. This is where the “Hey, I’m Here” campaign can help.

Roadblock

Many resources for youth are not designed with youth at the table. This campaign’s challenge was to ensure that youth voice is at the center of the campaign; led by youth, not “for” youth.