Photo: Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts
WALTHAM, Mass. (WBZNewsRadio) - The Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts have revealed three new patches focusing on mental wellness as part of the Movement's Mental Health Initiative, launching back in 2021.
The trio of patches focus on coping skills, not only to name your own feelings, but how to help friends, family and those around you who may be struggling. The larger initiative aids scouts as they grow into young adults in a time when mental health and wellness is facing a national crisis.
According to the Girl Scouts, recent studies have found girls are disproportionally impacted by the ongoing mental health crisis.
The Knowing My Emotions Patch can be earned by Girl Scout Juniors who learn specific coping skills for their own mental health wellness, including how to name the emotions young scouts may be feeling.
The Finding My Voice Patch can be earned when Cadet level scouts learn about the stigma that can be associated with mental health, how to help friends, family and loved ones, as well as how to practice self-care.
The Showing Up For Me and You Patch can be earned by Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors. Participants will learn "tactics for practicing self-care as well as coping mechanisms on how to handle difficult situations for themselves and others."
"We are proud to continue partnering with Girl Scouts on this research-based mental wellness program," said Joanne Pulles, vice president of community engagement at HCA Healthcare and president of the HCA Healthcare Foundation. "Girls need support now more than ever, and thanks to the reach of the Girl Scouts model, we know that these resources have the potential to make a positive impact on countless young women."
The patches were made possible with help from the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the GSUSA Program Advisory Committee.
"NAMI is proud to support Girl Scouts' effort to raise awareness for mental health and well-being with the patch program," said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr. "The reach and ability to support girls across age groups with tailored resources and activities is incredibly valuable not only for the girls but also for parents and caregivers. We hope by making it easier to talk generally about mental health with a trusted adult, girls will feel more at ease sharing concerns or asking questions."