Mental Health America to Honor Indianapolis Teen for
Mental Health Work

Sarah Wood to Receive Youth Advocacy Award at Annual Conference

Contact: Steve Vetzner, (703) 797-2588 or svetzner@mentalhealthamerica.net

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (September 18, 2012)—Mental Health America will honor Sarah Wood of Indianapolis, Indiana, with its Youth Advocacy Award for her exceptional efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues among youth at the Awards Dinner of the 2012 National Zarrow Mental Health Symposium and Mental Health America Annual Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Thursday, September 20.

Wood, a senior at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis and a volunteer with Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis (MHAGI , has courageously shared her story of depression and recovery with fellow students and raised awareness of teen mental illness with teachers and the community.

“Sarah’s passion and commitment are an inspiration to us all," said Dr. Wayne Lindstrom, president and CEO of Mental Health America. "Her vision, energy and activism are improving the lives of her fellow youth."

Sarah has been volunteering with Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis (MHAGI) since 2010, when she expressed her desire to tell her story to middle schoolers. Her passion and persistence convinced officials to allow her to speak to students and educate them.

After hearing Sarah speak to health classes about the signs and symptoms of depression, several students reached out to teachers.

Sarah also developed a video, “Reach Out. Get Help. There is Hope,” that was viewed by 1,200 middle school students, several of whom sought out help from teachers and counselors.

She and a team of peers also received a grant through United Way of Central Indiana to create a new video to train teachers and distribute brochures on teen mental illness. The video, “A Life Worth Living,” reached 2400 students. After viewing the video, a number of students came forward to seek help.

In recognition of her achievements, Sarah was nominated and awarded an invitation to attend Senator Richard Lugar’s Symposium for Tomorrow’s Leaders. And she has given her time and talent to raising money for MHAGI’s Crisis and Suicide Intervention Line’s Texting Service, allowing the program to launch successfully in February of this year.

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net) is the nation’s largest and oldest community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our 240 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

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