The Behavior Health LAUNCH strand is partnering with Blackhawk Technical College to host a Mental Health Summit. This event is taking place Friday, Dec. 15 at Monroe High School in the auxiliary gym. Everyone is welcome to attend the Mental Health Summit from 1:45-3:45 p.m. Please park in the Performing Arts Center parking lot and enter through door number 13.

This event is geared toward students and the community of Green County. We feel that it is important for community members to be aware of the resources that are available to them to promote individual and community wellbeing. There will be vendors sharing and promoting mental health resources. Some of the vendors include: Miramont Behavioral Health Hospital from Middleton, Monroe Police Department, Green County Treatment Court, Green County Sexual Assault Recovery Program, SSM Health, and more. 

Additionally, we as Behavioral Health LAUNCH students are also presenting our community service learning projects that we have completed throughout this trimester regarding substance abuse, intergenerational engagement, and mental health awareness. Below are some brief summaries of the collaborative work we have been engaged in with our community partners.

Lizzy Boll and Olivia Feller created social activities for residents at Aster Assisted Living to increase social engagement and improve their overall wellbeing. This past week the entire Behavioral Health LAUNCH class participated in a talent show where Aster residents and high school students came together to perform and share their special skills. 

Jadyn Elgin, Ava Waefler and Kierra Zahradka hosted a podcast through Better Brodhead that aims to educate and inform people about substance misuse and eating disorders. Not long ago, Alicia Fishlock was interviewed by this group of students. During the interview, Alicia used evidence-based research to inform the listeners about substance misuse, symptoms and treatment. Alicia’s experience and relatability are helping to broaden the reach of Better Brodhead.

Lexi Gallager, Abby Grossen, and Ella Kranig are advertising Green County’s first ever harm reduction vending machine. The vending machine is located outside the Green County Human Services building and is a free resource to use. The goal of their project is to inform the public about this new innovative resource that is coming to our community.

Newsletters were produced by Anastasia Lattin, Jake Stewart and Aleigh Zettle regarding depression and marijuana usage primarily in teens and young adults. Their goal is to educate and provide healthy ways for people to cope with psychological disorders and substance abuse. 

Abe Colin, Abbey Matley and Anna Polnow worked on behalf of Better Brodhead to create TikToks with visuals and statistics to educate and inform teens. Their TikToks focus on solutions to improve sleep and increase awareness about drug and alcohol abuse.

Chloe Fry, Christina Grenzow and Melanie Westgard conducted radio interviews and ads through Big Radio to provide and promote resources from Better Brodhead to help those who struggle with substance abuse.

Alyssa Hartwig, Kiera Indergand, and Chesney Slotten worked with Better Brodhead to distribute an educational online training to the students of MHS in order to spread awareness on mental health struggles, suicide, and coping strategies. 

Our mission is “to solve problems regarding stereotypes and stigma in order to unify our community by sharing resources and education about mental health and addiction.” We would love to share our work and resources with community members in order to reach our goal of decreasing stigma and uniting our community in wellness. We hope to see you at Monroe High School Friday, Dec. 15 from 1:45-3:45 p.m.!  

— This column was written by Monroe High School Behavioral Health LAUNCH students and submitted by LAUNCH coordinator Cara Carper.