Students to talk substance abuse, mental health at 'Youth Speak Out'

April 06--ALTON -- Students from Alton High School will get a chance to talk about substance abuse, mental health and other issues at the third annual "Youth Speak Out" program April 21.

While geared toward officials and youth leaders, the event is open to the public and will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Riverbend Community Center, 200 W. Third St., Alton.

Part of the Drug Free Alton Coalition, more than a dozen AHS students have spent several months examining those issues, according to project coordinator Melanie D. Nagel.

"They spend several months taking a look at these issues, how they feel about them, what they think are the root cause, and they take a look at some potential solutions as well," she said. "The coalition works to invite local community leaders to hear what the students have to say and hopefully become a vehicle for positive change."

About eight to 10 students will participate in the presentations. After that audience members will have a chance to ask questions or make comments.

There will also be a light lunch.

"That will allow people more networking time with each other, as well as with the students," Nagel said.

Between 15-20 students have worked on the project this year.

"It's interesting to work with the students," Nagel said. "What I love about the process is it helps the students complaining about issues, to identifying what the real issues are and advocating for change. They become better informed about what the issues actually are."

The ultimate goal is that the program helps unite the community around the issues related to substance abuse and mental health, and to come up with positive solutions.

For information contact Nagel at [email protected]or call 618-205-8131. The program is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services, SAMHSA and by the Madison County Mental Health Board.

Reach reporter Scott Cousins at 618-2086447.

___

(c)2016 The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.)

Visit The Telegraph (Alton, Ill.) at www.thetelegraph.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.