Rachel Gearheart, Nijha Young, Lauren Anderson, Mo Meadows, Rawle Andrews Jr.

Our Minds Matter was recently honored with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APA Foundation) Award for Advancing Minority Mental Health. This recognition reflects the incredible impact of our school-based clubs, particularly in communities where access to mental health resources is often limited.

The APA Foundation presented the award to Our Minds Matter alongside the Knights Minds Matter (KMM) club at Ballou High School in Ward 8, Washington DC. KMM has organized more than eight school-wide campaigns, including events for Mental Health Action Day and Suicide Prevention Month. One of their proudest achievements is the creation of a Peace and Wellness Room within the school library—a dedicated, safe space where students can find refuge and focus on their mental well-being during the school day.

In attendance with KMM members were OMM’s Executive Director, Lauren Anderson; Program Manager, Mo Meadows; and Program Coordinator, Nijha Young—along with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation’s Executive Director Rawle Andrews Jr. and Manager of Operations and Partnerships, Rachel Gearheart.

Congratulations to KMM and all our clubs working tirelessly to transform school cultures for better mental health!