Students said they wanted to ensure that the community is aware of the mental health resources available to children, teenagers and adults.
Boise, Idaho – Stronger mental health is important in 2025 than ever. A lot is happening in the world.
Alex Loveless is a student at Capital High School. She and two other students, Gillian Thompson and Lauryn Reed, recently organized a free mental health fair for the community.
“Everything is going on right now, it’s important to take care of our mental health,” Loveless said.
“The goal today is to try and provide as many resources as possible to those struggling,” Reed said.
The girl is a member of Hosa. HOSA enables students to become leaders in the health community through education, collaboration and experience. It also promotes healthcare education and career paths for like-minded students. Reed says the HOSA project wanted to put together a community awareness campaign on mental health. Reed says he wants students and families to know that free resources are available and that it’s okay not. The girls held an event at the Boise Library in Cole and Ustic.
“Most people struggle with mental health, and that’s not what they’re saying all the time. Many people experience mental health issues, but they don’t feel they can talk about it. No. So I think this is important,” Thompson. “There are quite a few organizations here to help people with the information they need.
Students invited nonprofits and institutions around Treasure Valley to provide mental health services to children, teens and adults.
“Resources here today include other couples like VA for Veterans, Face of Hope, Idaha Youth Ranch, Central District Health, Hand Hands, Children’s Home Services, and Speedy Foundation It’s going to happen,” Reed said.
These three high school students said KTVB How important is it to get help?
“We decided to do this because we all have mental health effects when it comes to anxiety, depression, etc. And then the staff commit suicide,” Reed said.
“We lost four of our peers and our teachers just before Christmas over the past two years,” Thompson said.
“Losing our four companions was extremely difficult for us. We saw them go to school every day, and now they’re not with us anymore.” Loveless said.
“Even if you don’t know someone personally, it just impacted everyone,” Reed said.
The Boise School District is transparent with students and families about recent suicides, and staff are working hard to improve students’ mental health.
The district is offering more prevention education, adding four new social workers and full-time counselors for online and professional programs. At a recent school board meeting, the district shared some really encouraging news. Data from a recent survey showed that students’ depression rates and decreases in suicidal ideation have decreased, with 76% of students saying there are trustworthy adults who can talk about their emotions at school.
Students said the free resource fair supports its prevention efforts. They said they value being part of providing solutions.
“The goal of this event is to connect the entire community with resources that are very close to homes and schools. People around them and their families,” Reid said.
For more information about the Boise School District survey results on student mental health, see click here.
