tudents lead way in mental health awareness
These PUP members and facility dog Audrey are working to create a positive and supportive learning environment at Claymont.
Over the past two years, 35 Claymont High School students in the Peers Uplifting Peers program have received Teen Mental Health First Aid Certification. These seven-hour courses were funded by a grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and taught by Tuscarawas County OSU Extension official Bridget Britton.
Students learned how to recognize signs of mental health challenges and offer help to their peers. These PUP members and facility dog Audrey are working to create a positive and supportive learning environment at Claymont.
PUP is a student-led program that started in 2019. It is supervised by Heather Dotts. PUP leaders train daily and lead biweekly meetings open to all students. Their goal is to provide a safe space for peer interactions.
In September, which is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, PUP members are focusing on working with guidance counselors on raising awareness and providing resources for students.
Follow the PUP group and its facility dog on Instagram @claymontfacilitydogs.