TEACHERS!

THE TELL-IT! PROGRAM
TEACHING YOUTH EMOTIONAL LESSONS FOR LIFE

The Mental Health Association of Erie County, Inc. has developed a school-based mental health education program, called TELL-IT! (Teaching Emotional Lessons for Life). The program offers an innovative curriculum that meets NYS Health Education Standards, which has expanded to numerous school districts throughout Erie County as it continues to gain popularity.

There is now a greater focus on the importance of positive mental health and increased recognition that mental health education in our schools is greatly needed, though often lacking. Youth today are faced with many challenges and need support and the skills to successfully get through what are often the most difficult years of their life. TELL-IT! responds to these needs.

Our MISSION is:
“to raise awareness and decrease misunderstanding
among adolescents, parents, and school professionals
about mental health issues through education and training”.

OBJECTIVES are for students to:

• Increase awareness of their own mental health and well-being
• Understand that our overall well-being depends as equally on our mental health as any other aspect of our wellness
• Address the problem of societal stigma which often prevents individuals from getting help
• Learn alternative choices to teen risk-taking and healthy coping strategies to deal with stress
• Recognize signs and symptoms of distress so early intervention can take place 
• Identify when and how to access reputable sources of mental health information and services

To bring the TELL-IT! Program to your school or community, please contact:

Natalie Johnson
Tell-It! Educator
886-1242 ext. 319
njohnson@eriemha.org

***Scheduling for the 2007-2008 school year is currently taking place.