Rolling Meadows High School sophomores will learn more about mental health issues such as depression, self-injury, and alcoholism in their health classes this semester.
The school health curriculum will present the "Erasing the Distance" program in partnership with The Response Center, a community agency that helps youth develop skills in communication, decision-making and leadership in order to be equipped to deal with life's challenges. "Erasing the Distance" is a nonprofit arts organization that uses the power of performance to reduce stigma, spark dialogue, educate and promote the healing surrounding issues of mental health.
The program is comprised of both a classroom presentation and discussion about mental health issues and the stigma attached to them.
Students will go through the program on Thursday, Oct. 11 and Friday, Oct 12 and will watch a theater presentation that depicts how a person with mental health issues has gained support from others to begin the healing process.
Rolling Meadows Student Services staff will be available to support students in processing their reaction to this program on the days of the presentations and performance.