In Anna Murrer’s health class at Merton Williams Middle School in Hilton, seventh graders have been learning about mental health and the prevalence of mental illness among people experiencing homelessness. While someone who has a physical ailment often seeks help immediately, students learned that it takes eight to 11 years on average for a person with a mental illness to seek help, often due to stigmas and stereotypes.
The class brainstormed ways people can help break those stigmas and stereotypes, including raising awareness, advocating, volunteering, providing resources, and making donations. After their discussion, students got to work writing notes of encouragement and filling zip bags with donated soap and small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion.
“Adding the note helps the students make personal connections with the recipients,” said Murrer. In all, about 500 bags will be dropped off at the Open Door Mission in Rochester this month.
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