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ISN’T IT TIME WE FOCUS ON MENTAL WELLNESS INSTEAD OF MENTAL ILLNESS?

We’ve covered the stories. We’ve seen the posts on social media. We’ve heard from you. We know there is a big problem in our community and across the nation. But we also know there are solutions.

We’re talking about the mental wellness of our kids and teens. There are big challenges facing young people and their parents today. That’s why during FOX 12 newscasts, we are highlighting what’s happening with this important topic in our communities. Specifically, we’re showing you what’s being done about it in schools and at home.

FOX 12 wants to shine a light on this very important and timely issue. We want to help kids, teens, their parents and caregivers in the community cope in times of stress and crisis. As you watch FOX 12, you’ll see public service announcements about this important topic. We’ll also be highlighting organizations and resources available for care and support. Below you will find just a few of the many organizations in our area that are devoted to mental wellness. We will be adding more as our campaign grows. We welcome your suggestions too!

Isn’t it time we focus on mental wellness instead of mental illness? Isn’t it time we talk about this topic openly? Shouldn’t we all know that we are not in this alone? With the help of great local organizations, we can solve these problems together. In the meantime, we want to offer you a place to speak up. Please share your story with us. Share your ideas and your challenges too. Use #FOX12BetterTogether on your favorite social media platform. Let’s start talking openly about the mental wellness of our kids and teens today.

Need help? These local organizations support the mental wellness of kids, teens and parents:

A small group of people holding their hands in the middle, while they are standing in a circle.

Lines for Life

Working to prevent substance abuse and suicide. Get help by calling 800-273-8255 or text ‘273TALK’ TO 839863.

YouthLine - A Service of Lines for Life

A peer-to-peer youth crisis and support service; via phone, text, chat, and email. Answered by youth daily from 4-10p and by adults at all other times. YouthLine also operates a peer-supported outreach and mentoring program to de-stigmatize mental health challenges, increase awareness for mental health and wellness, and encourage youth to reach out for help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1-800-273-8225. The Oregon Youthline can...

Northwest Family Services

Live...Grow...Succeed - They support individual success, family stability, and child well-being. Programs and services include youth programs, professional counseling, couple’s classes, parenting, and more.

Morrison Child and Family Services

Providing prevention, mental health & substance abuse services for children, youth & families across Oregon with a concentration in the Portland Metro area.

Trillium Family Services

A local organization that offers hope to families when they don’t know where else to turn. Whether addressing a one-time mental health crisis or an ongoing condition, Trillium equips children and their families with the right tools to understand their challenges, treat their conditions, and gain new skills to effectively manage their mental and behavioral health challenges. With increased knowledge and resources, young people can realize their full potential.

#worktobewell

Oregon is one of the first states to offer mental health days to students at school.

Prefer to email us? Send your story, ideas and feedback to FOX12BetterTogether@kptv.com.