Youth First, Inc. encourages all Hoosiers to join in recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month, a national movement to fight stigma, raise awareness, and advocate for better mental health care for adults and children.
“Our young people are growing up in a complex and challenging world that puts them at greater risk for addiction, suicide, violence and additional harmful behaviors,†said Parri O. Black, President & CEO of Youth First. “But with generous community support, Youth First will continue strengthening mental health and coaching more kids to thrive.â€
This year, Youth First will embed at least 78 Master’s level social workers and prevention programs in 107 schools across 13 Indiana counties, where they are easy to access and free of charge for over 47,600 students and their families. However, the need is much greater.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently issued a rare advisory stating that our nation’s youth are facing a mental health crisis and calling for increased resources in schools and communities. While the COVID-19 pandemic is ebbing, its effects on our collective mental health are proving severe and long lasting, particularly among youth and marginalized populations.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in six youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health condition each year. In 2021, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts were 51% higher among adolescent girls than in 2020.
Youth First saw similar trends across its footprint last year, with a 40% increase in crisis interventions primarily for suicide risk and a 60% increase in educators seeking stress reduction support for their students as well as themselves.
“Independent evaluations confirm that Youth First’s approach builds resiliency and well-being in young people,†Black said. “And that is why we continually get requests to serve more schools and communities.â€
1800   President John Adams signed the Harrison Land Act which allowed settlers to purchase property in the Northwest Territory on credit. The new law, named for its author, William Henry Harrison, allowed buyers to purchase 320 acres for a 25% down payment. The remainder would be due in installments spread over four years.  The price was set at two dollars an acre.  As a result, many more people were able to purchase property and migrate into the territory.
1846   President James Polk declared war on Mexico. Three days later, the Secretary of War called on Indiana Governor James Whitcomb to supply three regiments of infantry or riflemen, a total of approximately 3,000 men.  The quota was met within three weeks.  Volunteers responded to recruiting meetings in cities all around the state.  Hoosier women also became heavily involved, making uniforms, banners and flags.  The soldiers were sent to Camp Clark near New Albany for training. Brigadier General Joseph Lane was placed in charge.
1869   At a special session called by Governor Conrad Baker, the Indiana General Assembly passed a law that admitted African American children to public schools.  The legislation said, “In assessing taxes for school purposes, there shall be no omissions or distinctions made on account of race or color; but each and every person’s property, of every kind or description, shall be assessed the same as any other person’s property for the same purpose.† The state left it up to each community to carry out the provisions of the new law.
1884   Paris C. Dunning died in Bloomington. He had served as the ninth Governor of Indiana (1848-1849.) He had also been an Indiana House member, Indiana Senator, Senate President Pro Tempore, and Lieutenant Governor. He is the only person in state history to have served in all of these offices.  As governor, he led the Indiana General Assembly in passing a resolution sent to Congress which opposed the expansion of slavery across the United States.
1911   The Studebaker Company introduced the latest model of their electric car. “It gives time to think from streetcar crowds and street annoyances,†the ad said, “and goes anywhere, anytime, to the theater, about town, into the country.â€Â The company, based in South Bend, had become famous for its wagons and carriages. Electric cars were produced from 1902 until 1912, when production turned to gasoline engines. The electric model had four speeds and could go up to 18 mph.
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