Press Release  Secretary Kiame Mahaniah joins Boston Public Schools Students in Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month

ROSLINDALE — On Wednesday, Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA and Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Bailey celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month at the Mozart School in Roslindale.  

The Secretary and Commissioner joined an assembly of kindergarten through third graders, to read Isaac’s Story - a graphic novel created to raise mental health awareness and de-stigmatize mental health conditions experienced by children and youth. The assembly also featured a band performance by students, and a story walk activity encouraging the students to engage in conversation about the book. Each student was also given their own copy of the book to take home. The visit highlighted the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing commitment to promoting youth mental health and wellness.  

“Lifelong mental wellness begins in childhood,” said Secretary Kiame Mahaniah. “Resources like Isaac’s Story help kids build a foundation for addressing mental health needs throughout their lives. We want our students to know from an early age that it’s okay to ask for help and that taking care of your mental health is the same as taking care of your physical health.” 

“Isaac’s Story provides a wonderful starting point for important family discussion about mental health,” said Department of Mental Health Commissioner Emily Bailey. “Recognizing and responding to mental health needs as early as possible can reduce their impact on a child’s life and allow them to achieve their goals and dreams.”   

“Boston Public Schools is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of our students, beginning with helping them understand their emotions, build healthy relationships, and know that they are surrounded by caring adults who are here for them,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “Leader Reader Day is a meaningful opportunity to engage our youngest learners in conversations about feelings and wellness, while reinforcing that mental health is an important part of every student’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive. We are grateful to the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and our community leaders for partnering with us to support our students and school communities.” 

“Elementary school is where students begin building the skills to recognize their feelings, express themselves, and navigate friendships with care,” said Mozart Elementary School Principal Michelle R. Simon. “By welcoming community leaders into our classrooms to share Isaac’s Story, our students are reminded that their voices and emotions matter and that they have a community invested in their well-being. We are proud to create opportunities that help our students grow as learners and as thoughtful, compassionate members of our school community.” 

“Supporting student mental health starts with creating spaces where children can talk openly about their feelings and helping them recognize when they may need support,” said Boston Public Schools Chief of Student Supports Cory McCarthy. “Through stories like Isaac’s Story, we can introduce these important conversations in a way that is meaningful and accessible for young students. We are grateful to the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health for partnering with us to help strengthen the social-emotional well-being of our students and school communities.” 

Isaac’s Story was created through the cooperative efforts of the Department of Mental Health, FableVision Studios, Express Yourself, and Walker, Inc., who worked together to create the children’s book to raise mental health awareness and de-stigmatize mental health conditions experienced by children and youth. In the story, Isaac describes his emotional hurt, while classmate Mia describes an injury that requires her to get a cast. As they talk, they realize that physical healing and mental healing are equally important.  

Each May the Department of Mental Health, along with organizations across the country, marks Mental Health Awareness Month. The month provides an opportunity for communities to come together, combat stigma, and promote awareness. Often, adults with mental health disorders report unrecognized or unaddressed symptoms in childhood and adolescence. Helping children find tools and strategies to build their mental wellness at an early age can provide lifelong benefits. 

###