Mental Health Heroes awarded

The Carroll County Youth Behavioral Health Consortium, led by Compass Healthcare Collaborative, is comprised of 12 organizations working together to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This annual observance raises awareness about mental health, reduces stigma and promotes wellness for individuals of all ages.
 
As part of this commitment, the Consortium is proud to announce the recipients of the Mental Health Hero awards—individuals recognized for their outstanding dedication to supporting the mental health and well-being of others. Students from Carroll Community School District, Coon Rapids-Bayard School District and Kuemper Catholic Schools nominated peers and adults in their schools who demonstrate qualities such as kindness, supportiveness, encouragement, attentive listening, and the ability to help others feel safe and valued.
 
2025 Mental Health Heroes
Elementary

• Lexie Danner – Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District (nominated by Adleigh Patrick)
• Heidi Ebert – Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District (nominated by Brylin Bass)
• Mia Juergens – Kuemper Catholic School (nominated by Mallory Bowdish)

Middle School

• Addy Anthofer – Kuemper Catholic School (nominated by Millie Anthofer)
• Fredis Mejia – Kuemper Catholic School (nominated by Sidney Mejia and Emmanuel Mejia Carranza)

High School

• Marissa Anthofer – Kuemper Catholic School (nominated by Makinlee Hingeley)
• Simon Pietig – Kuemper Catholic School (nominated by Xavier Pietig)

Adult Heroes

• Leah Larsen – Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District (nominated by Anastasia Everett-Karn)
• Alison Schon – Carroll Community School District (nominated by Presley Heuton)
• Jodi Steinbach – Kuemper Catholic School (nominated by Anne Schuette)

 
These individuals inspire hope and make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.
Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being, yet it is often misunderstood or overlooked. Through May, the Consortium hosts a series of events and initiatives designed to foster open dialogue, provide resources, and promote mental wellness:

• Navigating Youth Mental Health: Trends, Social Media & Suicide Prevention, a virtual discussion held May 6 for parents and youth age 12+, is now available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/nLZFkS-RlzM). Therapists Whitney Cue, LMHC, CADC, and Tina Zanders, LMSW, from Catholic Charities facilitated.
• May 12 – Mental Health Awareness Month Proclamation signing with Mayor Gerald Fleshner, 5:15 p.m. at 627 N Adams St.
• May 15 – Wear Green Day for schools and communities to show support for mental health awareness.

 
Throughout May, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate by:

• Lighting facilities green
• Displaying 988 Lifeline signs
• Offering wellness opportunities like healthy snacks or walks
• Sharing efforts on social media using #MakeItOK and #BeKindToYourMind

 
The Carroll County Youth Behavioral Health Consortium includes: Carroll Community School District, Carroll County Public Health, Carroll Police Department, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Sioux City, Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District, Compass Healthcare Collaborative, Kuemper Catholic School System, NAMI, New Opportunities, St. Anthony Regional Hospital, Seasons Center for Behavioral Health, and Plains Area Mental Health Center.
 
Compass Healthcare Collaborative leads the Consortium as part of the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Program, a four-year HRSA initiative to expand sustainable behavioral health services for youth ages 5–17 and to prevent substance misuse. This program supports prevention, treatment and recovery efforts; delivers training and mentorship opportunities; and strengthens community partnerships to ensure access to care and resources.

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