GOOD NEWS: Girl Scouts spread mental health awareness

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Mental and physical health are equally important components of one’s overall health. Mental health is especially paramount for adolescents. According to the CDC, Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18), either currently or at some point during their life, have had a mental illness.

Two young Girl Scouts are working toward the distinguished silver award—one of the highest awards in Girl Scouting. Troop Leader Brandy Biddle says the award is about finding a community problem and seeing how you can help. Anna Mattox and Macy Baker have embarked on a project to address a pressing issue: mental health awareness. Their personal experiences with friends facing mental health challenges have inspired them to take action.

“They’re in North Clay Middle School, and some of their friends have had some issues with mental health, and it’s actually a pretty big problem at North Clay and all over, so they just wanted to do something to help,” explained Biddle.

The girls’ dedication is evident in their over fifty hours of research, discussion, and brochure preparation. These brochures, a testament to their hard work, will be a valuable resource.

“The brochure offers immediate assistance for kids if they’re struggling and can’t get into the guidance office at school or they’re scared to talk to mom or whatever the situation,” said Biddle. The brochures include hotline numbers and helpful information for anyone struggling with their mental health. Other troop members and family helped the girls with their project.

“Amber (the other troop leader) and I helped, we also had some cooperation with our guidance counselors at North Clay, Mrs. Frtich and Mrs. Keyes,” said Biddle.

SUBMITTED PHOTO - Macy Baker and Anna Mattox are working toward their prestigious silver award in Girl Scouts. They chose a project that focuses on mental health awareness for their peers.

The brochures will be freely available at the Clay County YMCA and Brazil Public Library. Troop Leader Brandy Biddle says they should be available by May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month. Biddle and the girls hope the brochures will also be available at local schools and anywhere young people might frequent.

“If anybody else is willing to have some of them available, we’d be open to that too.”

This Saturday, April 20, during the YMCA-sponsored Healthy Kids Day at the park, Local Girl Scout Troop 2249 will have a booth to display the brochure and provide fidget toys to children. Biddle hopes residents will bring their children to the free event and take a moment to stop and talk to the scouts about the brochure.

“They’re making a posterboard to advertise what it’s about, and two of the girls from the troop will be there to answer questions if people have them.”

For information about Girl Scouts, contact your child’s school or visit girlscoutsindiana.org.