Winning Mental Health Awaremess poster by photography student Zayen Ali.
Every May, Mental Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of the emotional well-being of the students at Dinuba High School. That message is being spread campus-wide. With the support of counselors and student clubs, the National Alliance on Mental Health Club (NAMI) leads a month-long initiative to raise awareness, provide help and resources, and build a more compassionate campus.
Every Friday during lunch, the NAMI Club has hosted interactive events to help students de-stress, connect with others, and learn more about mental health. On May 9, the club held an event featuring speeches from three of its officers, Ava Rose Arias, Marissa Rodriguez, and Elizabeth Quintero, who shared their reflections on why mental health awareness matters to them. The message also adds a deep meaning to the student body, which would inspire them to want to converse and connect more. The event also included bracelets, and students were encouraged to take a mindful break and create something that could symbolize self-care and support. “ We want to stop the stigma and make sure everyone knows they’re not alone. It’s okay to ask for help,” says Arias.
Bringing awareness to Dinuba High School’s campus is a team effort. Dinuba High School Art Club and NJROTC partnered with the NAMI Club and the counseling department to support the cause. They shared the goal of fostering a school environment where mental health is openly discussed, supported, and, most importantly, prioritized.
At each event, students have access to essential resources, including the suicide and crisis health line 988, on-campus counseling services, and information from NAMI. Participants are also given small items like awareness, stickers, pens, flyers, and handmade bracelets. The NAMI club has been actively promoting events through their Instagram page, bulletin boards, and posters across campus trying to spread the cause “the ultimate goal with mental health awareness month is to stop the stigma, a encourage others to receive help when need, ed and emphasize that you are not alone,” Arias explained.
Also adding imp, the guest speaker, Noe Prado, visited the campus during one of the events. He spoke with students about managing stress, especially during finals, and also encouraged self-reliance and seeking help when help is needed. Whether students participate in activities, grab a resource, or open up a conversation, high school makes mental health a visible and supported priority.