Students engage in conversation on mental health at our annual Summer Academy

Members of The L.A. Trust’s Student Advisory Boards prepared for the new school year at The L.A. Trust Student Health Summer Learning Academy online.

This July Student Advisory Board (SAB) members from ten LAUSD Wellness Center campuses  prepared for a new school year at The L.A. Trust’s annual Summer Learning Academy on student health. The virtual event served as an orientation for incoming students joining the SABs and was an opportunity for participants to learn more about us and collaborate on challenges for the coming year.

 “We had great participation from the students this year,” said Senior Program Manager Robert Renteria. “Students were engaged in conversations that covered topics such as consent, mental health, sexual and reproductive health and identity.”

Students from ten LAUSD campuses — Belmont, Carson, Crenshaw, Elizabeth Learning Center, Garfield, Jordan, Locke, Monroe, Santee and Washington — attended. The students were joined by staff members from The L.A. Trust’s student engagement team, LAUSD Adult Allies, and mental health professionals.

A video to educate teens about depression and what to do if you or a friend is depressed.

Tanya Mercado and Frank Dussan, psychiatric social workers from LAUSD, helped lead a discussion on mental health and resources. Attendees also watched and discussed More than Sad, a video on depression and the stigma surrounding mental health that keeps youth from seeking treatment. 

 “We are expecting this engagement to translate to a great year of health promotion on campuses,” Renteria said. “The students are crucial to the success of our school outreach. Peer to peer outreach is a proven strategy and our SAB members are prepared with information to help support other students in their path to health and success. We are inspired by their enthusiasm and creativity and we’re looking forward to a great school year ahead.” Other topics included data and public health, including The L.A. Trust Data xChange, selfcare, sexuality and identity, healthy relationship and how to create and conduct health campaigns.