New Mexico Activities Association launches student mental health initiative

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico Activities Association is proud to announce a Mental Health Awareness Campaign for the 2020-2021 school year. The NMAA recognizes a need to increase the attention given to mental health among all New Mexico students.

“Now, more than ever, it’s so important to promote the mental, social and emotional well-being of our students and direct them to the resources they may need,” said Executive Director Sally Marquez.

The initiative kicked off on Monday August 31, 2020 with a message of support from Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales. “I’m proud to partner with the New Mexico Activities Association on this mental health awareness campaign to ensure we are doing all we can for each other,” said Morales.

Each weekday from August 31-September 4, the NMAA will post on its social media platforms various video messages from students, coaches, and health professionals.

For the remainder of the school year, the NMAA will designate “Wellness Wednesdays” as an opportunity to continue to promote mental health awareness. Each post will be accompanied by the Crisis Line phone number 1-855-662-7474 along with the hashtag #YouMatter.

Some of the topics will include how to handle stress, recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health issues, suicide prevention, and breaking any stigmas associated with mental health.

The NMAA recognizes many kids struggling with anxiety or depression never receive direct support from a qualified provider and would like to help prevent any further tragedies in our state.

Executive Director Marquez added, “The focus on mental health awareness combined with the return to athletics and activities will go a long way in developing the well-being of our students.”

You can follow the NMAA and the Mental Health Awareness Campaign on their various multimedia platforms such as the website nmact.org, Twitter (@_NMAA), Facebook (New Mexico Activities Association), and Instagram (AllThingsNMAA).

This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: New Mexico Activities Association launches student mental health initiative

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