The Student Advocates for Mental Health (SAMH) program, initiated by OCDE’s Youth Development Program, was designed to go beyond traditional mental health awareness campaigns by empowering students to take the lead in addressing mental health issues in their schools. Recognizing the power of peer influence, the program operates in 79 schools across 22 districts, where student-led groups create tailored initiatives to support mental well-being.
How the Program Works
Each participating school has a student-led SAMH ambassador group or club that:
- Assesses the mental health needs of their peers through surveys or discussions.
- Implements mental health projects using resources provided by OCDE.
- Hosts events and initiatives to promote a supportive mental health culture.
This structure ensures that each SAMH initiative is customized to the unique needs of the student body rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Student-Led Initiatives and Impact
- At Los Alamitos High School, a video production class created a short film on mental health that won the Directing Change Film Contest.
- At McGarvin Intermediate School, the Club Live group organized mental health fairs to educate students and provide access to mental health resources.
- Other projects have included school-wide awareness campaigns, stress management workshops, and peer-support networks.
Program Reach and Effectiveness (2023-2024)
- 1,065 student advocates from 43 schools participated.
- 56 mental health projects were implemented.
- The program reached an estimated:
- 30,000 students
- 1,100 school staff
- 1,500 parents
- 90%+ of participants reported learning something valuable about mental health.
- 90%+ said they now know where to seek help if they experience mental health challenges.
Student Experiences and Long-Term Benefits
For many students, SAMH has been transformational, providing them with the skills to support both their own mental health and that of their peers. One student shared that the program not only helped them raise awareness in their school but also made them a better advocate for friends struggling with mental health challenges.By reducing stigma, providing leadership opportunities, and normalizing conversations about mental health, SAMH is fostering a culture of peer-driven support across Orange County schools. The program aims to expand its reach and continue equipping students with the tools to address mental health challenges in their communities.