Chapel Hill-Carrboro board proclaims May 2025 Mental Health Awareness Month
Summary
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board read and affirmed a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and thanked school-based mental health staff and community partners for support and outreach activities.
The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month and recognized school-based mental health staff and community partners for their work supporting student well‑being.
Board members read a proclamation noting that “mental health is an essential part of overall well‑being” and that one in five American adults experience a mental health condition each year, and urging the school community to “challenge stigma” and “seek help proactively.” The board asked mental‑health staff and partners to come forward so trustees could thank them personally.
Lydia Kiefer, a mental health specialist at Carrboro High School, said she was wearing green shoelaces for awareness and red in support of public education, and stressed that “funding for public schools is mental health care.” Sharon Torian, a middle‑grades specialist who works at Northside and Glenwood elementary schools, told the board, “supporting schools and supporting our students to the utmost to make sure that they have what they need is very important towards their mental health and well‑being.” Ricardo Bianco, who works with younger students and with Frank Porter Graham (FPG) programs, said the month’s theme was “turning ours into action” and urged the community to take daily steps to address depression and anxiety.
Terry Smith, executive director of Whole Child Services, said his organization partners with the district to define student‑services roles and provide “wrap‑around services,” and highlighted recent events including a mindfulness and digital‑wellness program at East Chapel Hill High School and upcoming elementary events. Smith said staff training has included strategies to recognize and support students and to coordinate community partners.
Board members thanked the staff and partners. One trustee said mental health and wellness are priorities in the district’s strategic plan and praised the work that helps students access academics. Trustees also noted that several board members were wearing red that day to show support for teachers and public education.
The proclamation encourages district residents to educate themselves on mental health conditions and resources, to speak respectfully about mental health, to support organizations that provide services, and to create safe, supportive environments for open conversation.
