Southside senior Carys Clark (pictured above, right) joined Representative Shad Pearce (left) at the House Education Committee on Thursday as they introduced House Bill 1393, recognizing the first full week of May classes in Arkansas public schools as “Mental Health Awareness Week.”
Clark’s testimony in support of the bill reminded the committee that “mental health is not just an issue at my school, and this bill is an opportunity to impact all students in Arkansas. It gives me confidence that future generations of Arkansas will have healthy and successful lives.”
Clark and other Bring Change 2 Mind Club members at Southside Charter High School piloted this concept in April 2022.
“Last year, the week was focused on teaching students healthy coping methods like putting new rhythms in their life to lead to a healthier mind, introducing them to new tools being implemented, while also making sure they are aware of the resources already available to them,” Clark shared with the committee.
With community support, the student organization provided a week of activities culminating in a community carnival and a 5K Color Run attracting hundreds of attendees.
Representative Pearce’s bill passed out of committee and now moves on for a vote in the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Images and information provided by Southside School District
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