Alabama mental health support series launched with support from lawmakers

As the country experiences a growing mental health crisis, particularly among the nation’s youth, one organization is stepping up to help educate the age group on the issue.

They’re receiving support from Alabama leaders who have made it a legislative priority to focus on and prioritize funding for services to connect Alabama to life-saving resources.

Hilinski’s Hope Foundation, founded in 2018 by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor their son Tyler’s legacy, is launching “H3H’s Mental Health Support Series” which will instruct mental health basics to Alabama high school students.

“The Alabama Legislature recognizes the importance of mental health and the associated services the state provides, so we are continuing to dedicate unprecedented funding and resources to ensure that those who need help receive help,” said Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville)

“In addition to the progress we have made over the last few years, partnering with Hilinski’s Hope Foundation to bring the Mental Health Support Series to Alabama high school students will have a positive impact on the lives of students for decades to come.”

Mark Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski’s Hope, said he is excited for Alabama’s students to have the opportunity to learn about mental health through the organization’s series.

“Hilinski’s Hope believes that all students deserve access to the best possible source of mental health education and that’s why we are so proud to partner with the state of Alabama to introduce students statewide to our support series,” Hilinski said.

According to another House lawmaker, the H3H Mental Health series is an investment into the future.

“As an advocate for students’ mental health, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with fellow advocates in Alabama and across the nation. Drawing from personal experiences with depression, I understand the importance of raising awareness and allocating resources to combat these challenges,” said Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-Opelika)

“By supporting and securing funding for the Hilinski’s Hope Foundation’s mental health pilot programs, we’re not just investing in our students’ well-being; we’re making a steadfast commitment to their brighter and healthier future.”

Hilinski’s Hope said high school students will be educated on the following topics during the six-part series:

• Stigma
• Mental Health Scale
• Emotions are Information
• The Power Of Our Thoughts
• Help Seeking
• Being An Upstander

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.