MADRID — In a proactive effort to address pressing issues affecting today's youth, Madrid-Waddington Central School, with sponsorships from the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau, and the Riley Basford Legacy Foundation, are hosting a mental health awareness event May 29.

The event features a diverse range of presentations and activities aimed at equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the challenges of modern life.

The evening will begin with a series of presentations in the auditorium, beginning with a QPR Training session led by the St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition. Participants engaged in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training, gaining valuable skills to recognize and respond to signs of crisis, ultimately aiming to reduce suicidal behaviors within our community.

Following this, the Seaway Valley Prevention Council will address the pressing issue of vaping with their Adult ENDS Presentation. Parents, guardians, and concerned adults learned about the dangers of vaping, including how to identify vaping devices and the substances they contain, empowering them to support and educate the youth in their lives effectively.

The highlight of the auditorium sessions is the virtual keynote address by Dr. Jean Twenge, a renowned expert on generational differences and the impact of technology on mental health. Dr. Twenge will dive into the profound effects of technology, cellphones, and social media on the mental wellbeing of Generation Z, offering insights and strategies for fostering healthier relationships with technology.

Simultaneously, in the library, students will participate in self-care activities aimed at promoting mental and emotional wellbeing. Trudy Caswell-Ryan, a dedicated teacher and yoga instructor, will introduce students to yoga, demonstrating how mindfulness practices like yoga can help students manage stress and anxiety positively.

Following the yoga session, Jenny Morrill, a mindfulness instructor, will introduce participants to the transformative power of mindfulness. Through meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques, students learned how to cultivate awareness and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

The library sessions will culminate in a teen-led workshop titled "Teen to Teen: Reducing the Stigma Associated with Mental Illness," facilitated by the St. Lawrence County Youth Committee's Teen Ambassadors. Teens will engage in open and honest discussions about mental health stigma, crisis intervention strategies, and available local resources, fostering a supportive community environment.

Additionally, Seaway Valley Prevention Council will also assist parents by creating an interactive experience titled "Hidden Mischief," challenging attendees to uncover hidden drug paraphernalia and alcohol within a simulated teenage bedroom, shedding light on the hidden dangers facing today's youth.

Meanwhile, in the high school gym, various agencies will host an information session aimed at breaking the cycle of stigma surrounding mental health. Representatives from organizations such as the Seaway Valley Prevention Council, St. Lawrence County Suicide Awareness Coalition, United Helpers Behavioral Health Services, and several other agencies will provide valuable information and resources to parents and guardians seeking assistance for their loved ones.

Throughout the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious pizza and wings served by the Madrid-Waddington Key Club in the cafeteria, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among participants.

The goal and overarching theme of the evening is to bring together individuals from all walks of life to engage in meaningful conversations, gain valuable insights, and take proactive steps towards promoting mental health and wellbeing within our communities. By working together and supporting one another, we can create a more compassionate and resilient community for generations to come.