Madison Elementary hosts 2nd annual mental health awareness vigil

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and to honor the occasion Madison Elementary School hosted their second annual mental health awareness vigil.

It’s called “Remember, Reflect, Release,” and was done in partnership with Altmeyer Funeral Home and NAMI.

The goal is to recognize the stressors, pain, loss, strength and success participants have had over the past year.

There were stations for kids and their parents to try, with activities that are calming and healthy, like water color painting, journal making, making strength bracelets and gardening.

“We’re very busy, especially if you’re a parent and you might put everyone else’s needs before your own, and being mentally healthy is an important part of having a safe home for your children, and so I’m hoping that just giving them a space to come once a year gives them something special and reminds them to maybe try to do it more often throughout the year.”

JESSICA WATT DOUGHERTY, Madison Elementary School Counselor

Ms. Watt Dougherty says she expected about 40 different families for tonight’s event, and hopes to keep it going each year.

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