Rock Island High School recently started its own The Gray Matters Collective chapter.
The Gray Matters Collective is a local nonprofit organization that provides mental health advocacy and suicide prevention.
Having its own chapter at Rocky allows the high school to not only empower its students to have the tools to be mental health advocates but also bring hope to those who are struggling.
Haley DeGreve, the founder of The Gray Matters Collective, trained student leaders on how to help their peers and how to talk about Mental Health. While they have more training to do in the future, they have started building the foundation necessary to learn how to lead with compassion, network with other schools, and handle stress, anxiety, or depression in a healthy way.
"By educating, building community, and bringing mental health awareness to anyone and everyone who needs it, we are working to create a world without suicide. Because every person matters," said Michelle Greenwood, one of the chapter's advisors.
Currently, meetings are taking place every Wednesday morning at 7:15 am. The meetings provide a safe space for students to share things they need to talk about. There will be at least two adults available to talk to as well at each meeting if needed.
The chapter's advisors are Michelle Greenwood, Kelly Preston, Andy Campbell, and Connie Hayek. All of which have been trained in the Mental Health First Aid Training.
Any student with questions can contact one of the advisors.
Haley DeGreve, the founder of The Gray Matters Collective, trains RIHS student leaders on how to help their peers and how to talk about Mental Health.