First statewide Heads Up Camp a success

Dear Editor

The efforts of months of planning by a whole host of dedicated organizations came to life last week for the first-ever, state-wide Heads Up Camp. A small and diverse group of upperclassman gathered at Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena to find ways to improve their own resilience, learn leadership skills and discuss suicide prevention strategies.

The mental-health focused camp, spearheaded by the Montana Hospital Association, was a successful partnership between Shodair, the Office of Public Instruction, and a robust list of local and statewide agencies.

Students from Helena, Polson, Conrad, Shelby and Whitehall participated in increasing self-awareness and team work on the ropes course, explored careers of interest and became certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

“I want to voice our admiration for the commitment these students have shown to exploring career opportunities in the field of behavioural health and to providing peer support in their home communities,” said Natascha Robinson, South Central AHEC director at the Montana Hospital Association. “I’m so proud of the work these young people have put in, and of their willingness to ‘be the change’ in their hometowns.

“The camp wrapped up with sustainability ideas that the students plan to integrate into their home communities. Students intend to promote self-care, start support groups, and be champions of bringing mental health awareness to their peers.

The camp was a collaborative effort in hopes of addressing the crucial shortage of mental health workers in Montana. The organizations are also committed to a grassroots effort of suicide prevention and pledge to continue this effort into the future by aiding in bringing the camps to other communities around Montana.

When the effort comes to your neck of the woods, we ask that you encourage, promote and support the work of these fine young Montanans.

Sincerely,

Craig Aasved, Shodair CEO

Elsie Arntzen, state superintendent

Victoria Cech, MHA Foundation director