Walk for WellnessOn February 23, 2019, SOS hosted its first annual charity walk. Our goal was to educate the community about mental health and suicide and reduce the stigma. Participants walked around the San Juan Hills High School track while enjoying live music, craft activities, opportunity drawings, and free food. Our 200 participants helped raise $5,000 toward St. Joseph's Mission Hospital Mental Health Ward to fund more psychiatric beds. We thank everyone who came out to support us, and we look forward to next year's event!
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PresentationsFor the past two years, SOS members have presented an original mental health awareness presentation. The target audience is students along with teachers and parents. The focus is on specific mental illnesses, common signs, prevention methods, and coping mechanisms. We also emphasize for struggling individual to reach out for help. If you would like SOS to present at your local school or community event, please visit the 'Contact Us' tab.
Past presentations: CapoUSD Board, Our Lady of Fatima MS, St. Anne's MS, San Juan Hills HS, St. Edward's Church, National Charity League Monarch Chapter, Irvine HS |
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Suicide: The Ripple EffectOn April 13, 2018, SOS hosted a movie night at Kaleidoscope Theater. "Suicide: The Ripple Effect" is a documentary about a man's journey after his suicide attempt. It portrayed how the road to recovery was difficult but possible, and inspires all viewers to help raise awareness for mental health.
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Be Well ConferenceIn August 2018, SOS members attended the "Be Well Conference." Various organizations and companies across Orange County came together to collaborate on ways to promoted mental wellness within the community.
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Teen Leadership ConferenceOn March 9, SOS members partnered with the James Henry Ransom Foundation and the San Clemente Wellness and Prevention Center to co-host the Teen Leadership Conference in Ladera Ranch. Students and parents discussed mental health concerns and future reforms for the community. Ultimately, the conference was centered around the future "Wellness Center," a teen center that will promote mental wellness for students from the ages of 11-19. All three organizations re working to open its doors by the end of 2020.
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Capistrano Unified School District MeetingOn March 13, SOS members spoke at the Capistrano Unified School District board meeting in respects to reforming the mental health awareness in local middle and high schools. Students proposed various changes: a student mental health board, placing the national suicide hotline number on the backs of all ID cards and within all textbooks, more available counselors, guest speakers who have experienced mental illnesses, and a more relevant mental health curriculum. We are looking forward to working with the CUSD Board to implement these solutions.
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Mental Health Awareness WeekDuring the week of May 20-25, 2019, San Juan Hills High School hosted a mental health awareness week that brought students, teachers, and counselors together through various lunch activities: DIY stress balls, beaded bracelets, and lifesaver guessing games. St. Joseph's Mission Hospital also joined the event for two days with three volunteers that help coordinate counseling for teenagers in Orange County. Costco donated baked goods for students to take during lunch, enough for every student to have a sweet treat. This was a great week where students were able to connect to local resources and show their support for this cause. |
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