|
 Students
enrolled in the Railer Reach Out program will receive text messages
about resources related to mental health, substance use and other
health issues.
“We are grateful for Lincoln Community High School's willingness to
let us launch this project with incoming freshmen,” said Molly
McCain, LMH community health coordinator. “Nationwide surveys have
shown that nearly half of all adolescents have experienced mental
health struggles like anxiety or depression. We want to give
students at LCHS the tools and resources they need to address these
issues in a healthy way.”
LCHS assistant principal Candace Schmidt said she is excited for the
partnership.
“This collaboration will significantly enhance our
community support network, ensuring students receive vital mental
health resources from the very beginning of their high school
experience,” she said. “Together, we are committed to fostering a
healthier, more supportive environment for all students.”
Railer Reach Out was created by the LMH Youth Mental Health
Coalition, which is dedicated to improving the well-being of young
people in the community by providing resources and support.
Additional assistance was provided by Bloomington-based Chestnut
Health Systems and Brightpoint.
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Other members of the LMH Youth
Mental Health Coalition include Birth to Five Illinois, Lincoln
Elementary School District #27, Lincoln Prairie Behavioral
Health Center, Logan County Department of Public Health,
Memorial Behavioral Health, Sojourn Shelter & Services and
Tri-County Special Education Association, among others.
“We are fortunate to live in a community where so many people
are willing to come together to support the well-being of our
children and teens,” McCain said.
The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network provided a grant
to fund the Railer Reach Out program. McCain said their goal is
to expand Railer Reach Out to other grades and Logan County
schools in the future.
Anyone interested in becoming a part of the LMH Youth Mental
Health Coalition can contact McCain at mccain.molly@mhsil.com or
217-605-5014.
[Anne Davis with photo by Molly McCain]
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