A partnership between Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville School District 117 and the Morgan County Health Department will launch a new youth mental health text messaging program called MindLine for incoming freshmen at Jacksonville High School this fall.
“We are focusing on the freshmen class through this new MindLine program with a goal of engaging them throughout their four years of high school,” said Claire Peak, community health consultant with Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. “High school can be a stressful time with increased deadlines, relationship anxiety and other pressures. Our goal is to come alongside these teens with targeted encouragement and support through short text messaging each month.”
Students who sign up for MindLine will receive two to three short mental health text messages each month on topics including safe social media use, available mental health resources, vaping, school-related stressors like homecoming, activity stress or finals. Messages aim to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and promote emotional well-being. Students who register for MindLine will also qualify for prize opportunities throughout the year.
Students can opt out at any time.
Parents or caregivers are encouraged to talk with their students about registering for the service. Teens can sign up at: https://eztxt.net/sUQNQn.