The Issaquah Schools Foundation's Healthy Youth Initiative and the City of Issaquah Youth Advisory Board are co-sponsoring three State of Mind mini conferences focused on youth mental health.
The mini conferences, which are open to students and adults, will be held at Issaquah High School on March 19, 2016; at Liberty High School on April 2; and at Skyline High School on April 23. All events are from noon-5 p.m.
All events are free; organizers ask for attendees to register, in order to plan for for materials, seating and food. To learn more or register, go to healthyyouthinitiative.org. Questions? Contact Barbara de Michele via emailemail or at 206-898-5210.
The keynote speaker of the series is Lauren Davis, director of school and campus programs for ForeFront: Innovations on Suicide Prevention, University of Washington School of Social Work. She will speak about preventing youth suicide at the first mini-conference at Issaquah High.
Davis is a graduate of Issaquah High, where she led a student club — SOS or Students Opposed to Suicide. Her advocacy for youth suicide prevention began following the suicide of a friend and fellow Issaquah High student. Davis is recognized throughout Washington state as a dynamic and passionate speaker on behalf of young people.
"We are thrilled to have a keynote speaker of Ms. Davis' caliber," said Sophie Marts, student leader of the Issaquah Youth Advisory Board. "Youth mental health is a great concern to the students involved in organizing these events at every high school, and we have received enormous support for this project from our members and friends."
To see a full event program, speaker biographies and more, go to healthyyouthinitiative.org.