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Purple for Mental Health Awareness
Inspiring people of all ages to live healthy, fulfilling lives by preventing substance misuse, and celebrating the power of wellness!
On Monday, March 13th, Eagle Hill School kicked off its 3rd annual Purple Week for Mental Health Awareness and Substance Use Prevention. The weeklong initiative creates a safe space for students to discuss mental health issues and the stigmas surrounding mental health and substance abuse. Inspired by the work of retired NBA player Chris Herren, Purple Week is celebrated across the country and in many schools and communities. The Herren Project’s primary focus is on wellness initiatives and providing schools and communities with resources to promote healthy choices to cope with life’s challenges in a positive, productive way.
To kick start Purple Week, EHS students and faculty were encouraged to wear purple on Monday as a symbol of support for the initiative. Later in the day, students attended a social-emotional learning (SEL) class where they discussed the importance of openly talking about mental health struggles with peers and family members. Students were then invited to sign the "Student Purple Pledge," which read: "I am proud of who I am and will make choices that are healthy and in my best interest, physically and mentally."
"I am proud of who I am and will make choices that are healthy and in my best interest, physically and mentally." Events reflecting the week's theme continued for the next several days benefiting students, faculty, and staff. Our monthly "Dress to Impress" community dinner recognized several students for being positive role models to their peers and community in respect, kindness, honesty, and purpose. Everyone then enjoyed the purple-themed dessert!
Later in the week, EHS faculty participated in the workshop Building Resiliency, Mental Health, and Self-Care for Teens and Teachers, presented by one of Eagle Hill's independent counselors Laura Lodi. Jessica Geary, the faculty organizer of Purple Week events at EHS, reflected on the workshop, saying, "It was a great way for the faculty and staff to reflect and share their individual experiences and perspectives on mental health."
Finally, the week ended with a viewing of Disney Pixar’s "Inside Out," a film which encourages feeling the full spectrum of emotions as an essential part of life. An ice cream sundae party on Sunday officially closed out the 3rd annual Purple Week! To learn more about this initiative, please visit The Herren Project.
