The fourth-annual Peer-to-Peer Youth Mental Health Conference brought together 1,500 participants from over 22 school districts, as well as charter and private schools, representing more than 55 middle and high schools. It was held at the Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual & Preforming Arts in Arlington.
The two-day event was hosted by three leading suicide prevention nonprofits: the Grace Loncar Foundation, Grant Halliburton Foundation and The Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation. It focused on building connection, resilience, and life-saving peer support skills.
This year’s theme was “Let Hope Rise,” highlighting the power of peer leadership and the importance of creating supportive school communities.
The two-day structure allowed for age-appropriate programming. High school students attended the conference April 1 and middle school students attended on April 2. Throughout the event, attendees participated in peer-led breakout sessions, interactive workshops and leadership panels designed to equip them with practical tools to support themselves and others.
Both groups learned how to recognize signs of emotional distress, to support peers, and to reduce stigma around mental health conversations as well as strengthen peer-led initiatives in their schools.
“The energy and engagement from students throughout the conference was incredible,” Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said. “You can see the impact when young people feel empowered to support one another.”
By bringing students together to learn from and support one another, the conference demonstrated the powerful role young people can play in creating a culture of understanding, connection, and hope within their schools and communities.
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