Raising mental health awareness among students​

For the past two years, Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Outreach Program (EOP) has partnered with NAMI on Campus High School (NCHS), which are student-led clubs that raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on campus through peer led activities and education. NAMI, which stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Sierra Vista High School in Baldwin Park served as one the first to offer a NAMI Campus Club in the San Gabriel Valley. More than 12 high schools have since participated in training to establish clubs on campus. There are 100 student members who attend weekly meetings or participate in NAMI-sponsored activities. The club empowers students to learn about and raise mental health awareness, helps students learn coping strategies and life skills, and provides resources to students who need help. The clubs are now in all three high schools in Baldwin Park, including the continuation school.

EOP became active in the club by serving as co-advisors, planning activities with students, providing workshops for club members on a variety or wellness and mental health topics, and providing referrals for those requesting counseling services.

Working with the California Department of Education, Mental Health Workgroup, and NAMI, Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center and EOP hosted the largest NAMI on Campus training in the state. A total of 79 students from 12 high schools in the East San Gabriel Valley were trained by NAMI and the Department of Education.

“Kaiser Permanente Educational Outreach Program and Baldwin Park Medical Center have responded to the call to action to improve health in the communities we serve by leveraging our resources in support of NAMI on High School Campus programs. Our partnership with local schools and NAMI on Campus has yielded positive results. We see students empowered to make changes in their school culture by becoming more accepting of others, not afraid to seek services when in need, and practicing the skills to be life-long health advocates,” says Diana Rivera-Beltran, program manager, Kaiser Permanente Educational Outreach Program.