Monterey high school filmmakers: here's another chance at a contest

Student filmmakers throughout California are invited to “Direct Change” by submitting videos for a statewide contest to prevent suicide and change minds about mental illness.

The contest is part of statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students.

I'm hearing a lot of noise about this lately, and I'm actually planning to interview a family that's struggling with mental illness, depression and suicide attempts. It's a lot more common than we imagine, so hopefully efforts like this will increase much needed awareness.

Here's the details of the contest:

Open to high school students in California

Students have  to develop a 60-second public service announcement about suicide prevention or eliminating mental illness stigma during the 2012/13 school year.

Winning team and associated school earn a $1,000 cash prize

Enters each school into a drawing for a free suicide prevention program

Winning students and schools are recognized at an award ceremony in Sacramento at the end of the school year

For more information, submission guidelines, and entry forms, click here.

Entry deadline to submit final PSA’s is at 12 a.m.  March 1, 2013.

Questions? Email jana@directingchange.org

Family fund day for mental health awareness month

 One in every five children and adolescents experience mental health challenges, but many don't receive the help they need because of stigma. On Sunday, May 20, the Monterey County Health Department and its allies will host a "Family Fun Day" at Natividad Creek Park, where families can learn more about services available for them.

This free community event seeks to reduce stigma and raise awareness that mental health is part of a person’s overall health and well-being. 

Improving mental health results in children have fewer arrests, getting better grades and school attendance and improving their functioning and well-being.

For more information click here.