Concord, NH – The RSEC Academy staff and students lent their voices, and their dance moves, to Governor Hassan’s effort to raise awareness about the importance of addressing the mental health needs of children, youth and families. Thursday May 9th was proclaimed by Hassan as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, with mental health advocates from across the state turning out at the State House to show their support at the Children’s Mental Health Matters Rally.
The students and staff of The Academy brought signs and a lot of positive energy to the rally. Hassan, who stopped to speak with the students and take pictures, has proposed a budget that includes increased funding to move forward with the state’s 10-year plan to strengthen New Hampshire’s strained mental health system, including funds for children’s mental health services. Ten new Assertive Community Treatment teams are included in the proposal, six of which are specifically for children in crisis.
“I am incredibly proud of the hard work our staff and students put in to help raise awareness of this important issue,” said Janet Reed, director of The Academy. “As the governor reminded them, it is so important that our students continue to advocate both for themselves and their peers.” As the rally concluded, The Academy students and staff performed a flash mob-style dance for the governor which they worked over many weeks to learn. The Children’s Mental Health Matters Rally was organized by the New Hampshire Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and other child and family agencies and organizations throughout New Hampshire.
Regional Services and Education Center, Inc. (RSEC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity created to provide school districts in Southern New Hampshire with a variety of high-quality educational and special needs focused programs and services. RSEC currently administrates three programs, including Sunrise Children’s Center, an inclusionary early childhood educational center, The RSEC Academy, a junior and senior high school program serving students with learning disabilities, and an alternative high school program, the Longview School.
