Founded in 2003, our efforts are primarily geared toward youth and the early identification of mental illness in the hopes that, as they continue their life's journey, these young people will carry with them the lessons learned about depression and mental health illnesses. We hope they will understand that mental illnesses are just that, illnesses much like cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and are treatable.
Here are a few more of the programs and public awareness campaigns we have been able to support because of the generous support of so many:
*During the 2009-2010 and the 2010-2011 school years, Foundation Secretary Cindy Ardis-Jenkins has spent one entire day each semester at Limestone High School talking to students in their freshmen health classes as the finale to an entire week they spend addressing mental health issues. Cindy shares Tim's story and talks to the students about depression, its symptoms and how to reach out and get help.
*Red Flags Program: A school-based depression awareness and intervention curriculum designed for adolescents, their parents and their teachers, the Red Flags Program maintains that we cannot educate children about the symptoms of depression unless we also ensure that they have the support and understanding they need from their parents and their teachers. The program's three-pronged approach includes a middle school health curriculum, a yearly inservice for teachers on children's mental health issues, and an annual presentation for parents.
*TeenScreen, the Yellow Ribbon Campaign and QPR Training: Offered by the Mental Health Association of Illinois, these programs are designed to prevent youth suicide.
*The TAFH teamed up with WMBD and WYZZ to create the first-ever commercial designed to create awareness about depression and other mental illnesses.
*In 2005, WMBD/WYZZ Fox 43 produced a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to heighten awareness about depression and other mental illnesses and to share the hope that comes with treatment. The TAFH applauds Kevin Harlan, general manager of WMBD/WYZZ Fox 43, and Kirby Matthews, the station's former promotions director, for taking the lead in this effort and offers both them and the station our sincerest gratitude.
*The TAFH has sponsored Ross Szabo, director of youth outreach for the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign, for his THREE visits to Peoria so he could bring his message to students at all District 150 high schools, East Peoria High School, Elmwood High School, Metamora High School, Peoria Heights High School, Peoria Notre Dame High School and Bradley University.
A graduate of American University with a degree in psychology, Ross learned about mental illness at a very young age. He was 11 when his older brother was forced to take a medical leave of absence from college due to bi-polar disorder. At 16, Ross was also diagnosed with the disorder and was hospitalized with suicidal thoughts. He later took a medical leave of absence two months into his freshman year at American University due to a relapse.
Ross has spoken to countless young people and has reached even more through the media. He has been featured in Parade and Seventeen magazines, and his program has been adapted into a television special for PBS. He has also appeared on CNN, C-Span and PBS News to discuss mental health.
(Below is a YouTube video of Ross Szabo, though not at one of his Peoria events.)
