SMHS and National Mental Health Awareness Month
![SMHS and National Mental Health Awareness Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780935788/smjuhsdk12caus/ec6yezdlxtufvwjk05zk/SMW4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780935788/smjuhsdk12caus/ec6yezdlxtufvwjk05zk/SMW4.jpg","width":304}])
Reflecting on last month's National Mental Health Awareness Month, Santa Maria High School (SMHS) continues to celebrate the positive energy from its annual Mental Health Week, which took place from May 18–22.
Organized through a collaborative effort by the SMHS Wellness Center staff, School Counselors, ESS therapists, School Psychologists, Community Schools Counselor, and ASB, this week-long campus initiative focused on destigmatizing mental health and equipping students with practical, lifelong tools for their personal well-being.
The Wellness Resource Fair, hosted on Tuesday, May 19th, brought together students, teachers, administrators, and dedicated support staff, along with numerous external community wellness agencies, to explore seven essential pillars of wellness: mental, physical, nutritional, health & hygiene, financial, spiritual, and social/emotional well-being. Lunchtime on campus came alive with interactive educational booths, therapy dogs, guitars, school clubs, and creative art projects.
Agencies and programs that kindly gave their time to support and invest in SMHS students included:
Art Department-SMHS
Behavioral Wellness (Santa Barbara County)
BStrongLife Club
Business Department-SMHS (Financial Wellness)
CapSlo Teen Wellness
Cencal Health
CHC-Community Health Centers
CommUnify/Empower U.
County of SB Public Health Department
Creciendo Raices
Family Resource Center-SMJUHSD
Family Services Agency
Fighting Back SMV
GloFitness
GSA Club
Guitar Club
Knowing You Matter
Love on a Leash
One Community Action/Por Vida
Pathway Family Services
Real Foodz
TMHA-Transitions-Mental Health Association
“We wrapped up the week by celebrating our shared journey in a special three-minute recap video posted on Instagram (@smhs_wellness_center). To our incredible SMHS staff and community partners: you give so much to others, so please remember to pour back into yourself. The Wellness Center encourages you to pause, breathe, and prioritize your own well-being.” — SMHS Wellness Counselor Margarita Guillen-Franco.
“I enjoyed the spin the wheel activities and participating in the games. I also enjoyed talking to students, counselors, teachers, staff, and other types of adults on campus that I felt comfortable with. I like to box and it helps me with stress, and I also manage stress by talking with trusting adults. No matter what you’re going through, there are adults and students who can help.” — Marco Zaragoza, SMHS Student.
“It was great seeing our students connect with the different organizations and explore resources available to them. We are grateful to our community partners and SMHS staff for helping create this event that reminded students they are supported, valued, and never alone in their wellness journey.” — Alondra Zarate-Zavala, SMHS Wellness Coach.
Media Contact: SMJUHSD Public Information Officer Kenny Klein