Mental Health

Girl Scouts and Priority Health Launch Mental Wellness Patch Program to Support Young Minds

In a significant step toward addressing mental health among young girls, the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, in partnership with Priority Health, has introduced the Girl Scouts Mental Wellness Patch Program. This initiative is designed to empower girls in West Michigan and beyond to understand and support their mental health through a structured, age-appropriate program.

Partnership with Priority Health

The collaboration between the Girl Scouts and Priority Health aims to spotlight mental health awareness, particularly in West and northern Michigan. The program's introduction comes at a critical time, as statistics indicate that girls experience mental health crises at a higher frequency than boys. Recognizing this, the partnership seeks to address these challenges early on by fostering resilience among young girls, ultimately preparing them to become better leaders and community members.

Priority Health's involvement underscores the importance of community-based health initiatives and its commitment to improving mental wellness among youth. By supporting the Girl Scouts in this endeavor, Priority Health is contributing to a broader movement to prioritize mental well-being in educational and developmental settings.

A Structured Approach to Mental Wellness

The Mental Wellness Patch Program is organized into five age-appropriate steps that girls are encouraged to complete. Troop leaders play a crucial role in organizing activities, often executed in group settings, to help girls earn their patches. This collaborative and interactive approach not only makes the learning process engaging but also reinforces the importance of community and support among peers.

Among the activities, girls participate in making stress balls, a practical tool for anxiety relief. Such hands-on activities provide tangible methods for managing stress and emotions, equipping girls with skills that can be carried into adulthood. The program's availability on a national scale further extends its reach, ensuring that girls across the country can benefit from these valuable resources.

New Patch Programs and Their Focus

As part of the broader Mental Health Initiative launched by Girl Scouts of the USA in 2021, three new mental wellness patches have been introduced. These patches cater to girls in grades four through twelve and emphasize mental wellness, resilience, behavioral issues, and healthy habits. The patches are designed to address specific developmental stages, ensuring that the material is relevant and impactful.

The "Knowing My Emotions" program targets Girl Scout Juniors, helping them learn positive coping skills and how to articulate their feelings. For Girl Scout Cadettes, the "Finding My Voice" program focuses on understanding stigma, supporting friends, maintaining mindfulness on social media, and practicing self-care. Meanwhile, Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors engage in the "Showing Up for Me and You" program, which provides strategies for self-care and coping mechanisms.

Each patch program includes an adult facilitator guide, ensuring that adults can approach sensitive topics effectively, prompt meaningful conversations, and guide girls through challenging moments. This component of the program highlights the importance of adult involvement in youth mental health education.

Broad Support for Mental Health Initiatives

The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Gillison has voiced his support for the Girl Scouts' effort to enhance mental health awareness through the patch program. According to NAMI data, nearly 90% of parents prioritize their child's mental health over academic achievement, emphasizing the importance of programs like this in addressing parental concerns.

In recognition of the growing need for mental wellness resources, the Girl Scouts of the USA introduced mental wellness resources for Girl Scouts and training for council staff, volunteers, and parents/caregivers during Mental Health Awareness Month in 2022. This initiative aims to equip those involved in the Girl Scouts community with the tools and knowledge necessary to support young girls in navigating their mental health journeys.

The Girl Scouts Mental Wellness Patch Program represents a proactive approach to mental health education, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and support. By equipping young girls with the skills to manage their mental health effectively, the program lays the foundation for a healthier, more resilient generation. As the program continues to gain traction, its impact on the mental wellness of young girls in Michigan and across the United States will be closely watched and celebrated.