The power of digital media enabled the conversation to transcend geography.
Partners and community members used #HeroesofHope to promote the national
event and Awareness Day activities around the country. Collaborating organizations
also used the hashtag to share resources and host Twitter chats. #HeroesofHope
allowed for a two-way conversation in which viewers could ask the panelists
questions and interact with the live discussion. As a result, #HeroesofHope was the
second most widely used hashtag in Washington, DC, the evening of the national
event—a first for Awareness Day!
CMHS Director Paolo del Vecchio “took over” SAMHSA’s Twitter handle to share
insights during the live conversation. In addition, NBC4 News Anchor Aaron Gilchrist
used his social media account to give audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into
the event. This personal approach helped the audience connect to the national event
in an authentic way.
YOUTH M.O.V.E. NATIONAL
Youth M.O.V.E. National provided tools for local chapters to
host focus groups in their communities to learn from youth
about the challenges they face when accessing services.
Using the hashtag #MoveItForward, they hosted a May Twitter
chat that focused on obstacles youth have faced and how
they overcame them. The chat, which included 150 total
tweets, resulted in a lively exchange of ideas, strategies,
resources, and support. For more Youth M.O.V.E. Twitter chat
highlights on social media, check out its Storify!
Creating Community Solutions worked with SAMHSA to host an all-day Awareness
Day “Text, Talk, Act” event on May 5 that combined text messaging, face-to-face
dialog, and community organizing to bring youth and young adults together to
discuss improving mental health services and supports in schools, and bringing
awareness to children’s mental health. More than 1,000 people participated.
CANDID COMMENTARY
FROM ACTOR REID EWING
Using #HeroesofHope, a Twitter follower asked this
year’s Honorary Chairperson, “Modern Family’s” Reid
Ewing, if his mental health challenges ever affected his
friendships. Ewing candidly explained how depression
made it challenging for him to make new friends and
enjoy his existing relationships. Ewing spoke about
his experience with body dysmorphic disorder and
subsequent addiction to cosmetic surgery, as well as
his road to recovery.
Ewing received a SAMHSA Special Recognition Award
for his efforts to promote openness and educate others
about mental health.
He shared, “I wish I could go back and tell my
younger self not to go through with any of that
surgery, because it’s not necessary. But I can’t go
back. I have to build from where I am now and that’s
the message for other young adults, children, and
families. Build from where you are right now. You’re
not alone.”
2016 FINAL REPORT
17