Hearts Out for Mental Health is a new club at Whitney Young. HOMH aims to spread awareness for mental illness and suicide throughout our community with creative art installations, discussions, fundraisers, and more. The club’s mission is to develop a community that fosters acceptance and support for those affected by mental illness or suicide, change the way people deal with and view these stigmatized topics, and to help survivor feel proud of their strength instead of ashamed of their illness. “As a new club, we are so excited to continue developing innovative ideas and projects! Some important resources are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK),” Sophie Sanchez ‘19. Although this is only the first year for Hearts Out for Mental Health, the founders of this club have already began taking steps towards their mission. They have participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk, which is a walk for suicide prevention, and conducted a project where they distributed 400 ribbons throughout the school

of different colors that correspond to people’s personal experiences and connections to mental illnesses. If you missed club fair, it’s not too late to join and make a difference. Hearts Out for Mental Health meets every other Monday in room 179. Email [email protected] to be added to the email list.

Photo courtesy of Sophie Sanchez ’19