RIDGELAND — Students with the Ridgeland Mayor’s Youth Council are launching a new mental health awareness initiative aimed at reducing stigma, increasing access to resources and encouraging conversations among young people across the metro area.
The initiative, called “WORTH A LISTEN,” is a collaboration between the youth council, Killebrew Psychological Services and Essential Touchstones.
Organizers said the student-led effort will initially roll out in six metro-area schools attended by members of the Ridgeland Mayor’s Youth Council, with plans to eventually expand statewide. The program will include student-led awareness campaigns, mental health resource distribution, school and community outreach efforts, and partnerships with local and state mental health organizations.
Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee said the initiative reflects growing concerns about the mental health challenges facing students.
“Young people today are facing pressures and challenges unlike any generation before them,” McGee said. “‘WORTH A LISTEN’ sends a powerful message that their voices matter, their struggles are seen, and help is always available.”
According to organizers, the idea for the initiative emerged after students applying to the Mayor’s Youth Council were asked to identify the biggest issues affecting their peers. Officials said 95% of applicants cited mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, bullying and social media addiction.
Lisa Walters, the mayor’s chief of staff and coordinator of the youth council, said the responses made it clear the issue could not be ignored. Mental health professionals with Killebrew Psychological Services and Essential Touchstones later joined the effort to help shape the program and provide clinical guidance.
Dr. Alyssa Killebrew said the initiative is especially meaningful because it is being driven by students themselves.
“What makes this initiative so powerful is that it is coming directly from students who recognize the need among their own peers,” Killebrew said.
National research cited by organizers shows youth mental health concerns continue to rise. Studies from organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the American Psychological Association indicate that nearly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while roughly two in five young people experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year.
Student leaders involved in the initiative said they hope the program encourages peers to seek help and support one another.
“So many students feel like they have to handle everything on their own,” said Ashwin Talwar, a member of the youth council. “This initiative is about making sure everyone knows there is someone who will listen and that it’s okay to ask for help.”
City leaders said they hope “WORTH A LISTEN” becomes a long-term movement focused on improving mental health awareness and support systems for students throughout Mississippi.
