Listening to Youth Voices Can Save Lives
By Catherine Rice, Vice President of Marketing/Outreach at Health Partnership Clinic, Olathe Noon Optimist Club Member/Mental Health Committee Member
At Health Partnership Clinic (HPC), we know mental health is just as important as physical health. Every day, our Behavioral Health team works alongside patients, families and community partners to provide compassionate care, reduce stigma and connect individuals with the support they need. That mission aligns closely with the work being done through the Olathe Noon Optimist Club Mental Health Committee, where I am proud to represent HPC as both a club member and committee participant.
Recently, our community came together around an important and powerful project focused on youth mental health and suicide prevention. What began as listening sessions with local youth evolved into something much bigger — a meaningful, student-led initiative designed to encourage conversations, increase awareness and remind young people that asking for help is a sign of strength.
The project was shaped through conversations with Teen Council, Zero Reasons Why and student leaders, who identified three major concerns facing youth today: inclusion, safety and suicide prevention. Following heartbreaking losses within the community, local organizations and leaders recognized the need to take action.
Through collaboration with incredible partners including the Johnson County Mental Health Center, City of Olathe, Kansas Department of Health & Environment and HPC, the Noon Optimist Club helped bring a student-created suicide prevention video to life.
“This project shows what’s possible when we listen to youth and work together as a community,” shared Barbara Cordts, President of the Olathe Noon Optimist Club.
Students from Olathe Northwest High School, guided by Sources of Strength, created a professional and heartfelt video designed to break down barriers surrounding the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Their message is simple but powerful: reaching out matters.
The video premiered May 1 in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and serves as a reminder of the impact youth voices can have when communities choose to listen, support and collaborate.
At HPC, we are honored to support initiatives like this and remain committed to expanding access to behavioral health services for individuals and families throughout our communities. By working together — schools, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, local government and youth leaders — we can continue building a stronger, more compassionate community where no one feels alone.
Because sometimes, just five minutes can save a life.
To learn more about the clinic call 913-648-2266 today!
Watch the student-created video here: