“Students need healthy coping strategies to navigate life’s challenges. Early prevention programs in schools equip students with practical tools and skills they can use throughout their lives to increase emotional health and well-being.”
That’s the message I gave for a Public Service Announcement (PSA) called “Mental Health Moment” that aired in April 2023 during the WGAL-TV8 (NBC-affiliate) morning and evening newscasts. Near the end of my 30-second TV spot, a brand logo appeared with a voiceover that directed viewers to a sponsored webpage. Viewers reaching this landing webpage could learn more about mental health and prevention topics written and recorded by local experts. In my segment, I discuss my article titled “Educating Students about Alcohol & Other Drugs: More Important Than Ever.” Click/tap the link below to read the article and/or watch the full PSA: https://storystudio.wgal.com/donegal-compass-april/
The opportunity to participate in this PSA came about from my community service work on the board of directors at Compass Mark–the regional non-profit organization that provides science-based addiction prevention services to residents in Lancaster, Lebanon, and Chester counties in Pennsylvania. Several Compass Mark programs match my current research and scholarly interests which include decreasing risk factors and increasing protective behaviors for individuals, schools, and communities. The importance of early prevention for PK-12 schools and first year college students cannot be understated.
