Peer2Peer Hosts Mind Matters Mental Health Conference

On March 13, Pine-Richland High School’s Peer2Peer Club members hosted the Mind Matters Conference, welcoming students from Mars, North Allegheny, Riverview, Seneca Valley and The Neighborhood Academy.

In what the group hopes to become an annual mental health event, students from each school shared how they promote mental health awareness. 

“It was awesome to hear that many schools have similar ideas such as Wellness Wednesdays and others have unique programs such as the mental health science fair,” said Mrs. Leslie Straub, sponsor of Peer2Peer.

The event featured remarks from keynote speakers Dr. Demetrius Harrell, board member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, who spoke about promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and Dr. Maura Paczan, Director of Student Services for Pine-Richland School District, who spoke about resiliency, suicide prevention and intervention, and the role of student leadership in promoting health and wellness. 

Participants also worked together to record answers to questions that will become part of a mental health public service announcement for all schools to use.

Peer2Peer is a student-led group that strives to break down social barriers by eliminating social injustices and promoting respect for all in our schools and communities.