Hope for Tomorrow

Hope for Tomorrow is a Mental Health Education Program which brings together the combined efforts and insights of mental health professionals, educators, and other experts to help parents, teachers, students and communities understand mental illness—a crucial step to improving the lives of those affected by it.

We are seeking volunteers from all areas of the state who are interested in educating our youth about mental health. 

Hope for Tomorrow Goals

• Raise awareness of mental health issues
• Erase the stigma of mental illness
• Foster hope among students and their families

Topics

• Mood Disorders covers general information about brain disorders and stigma, as well as the most common mood disorders diagnosed in adolescents
• Substance Use Disorders covers substance use, including abuse and dependence
• Eating Disorders covers societal pressures, signs and symptoms and how to seek help.

Components

The program consists of a program manual, 3-segment video/DVD, and supplemental CD-Rom. Components include: In-class discussion guides, video interviews with young people, parents, and professionals, Parents & Teachers as Allies a teacher in-service, parent community forums, mental health tips of the day, lunchtime forums, anonymous student box, bulletin boards and posters.

The Hope for Tomorrow Program was developed by parents, students, educators, school administrators, the Utah PTA, the State Office of Education, and the Department of Pediatrics and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Utah.  Hope for Tomorrow has undergone an evaluation where preliminary data show that after participation in the program, there is an increase in student help-seeking behavior.

For more information contact NAMI Utah at 801-323-9900 or toll free 1-877-230-6264.

Download a Hope for Tomorrow Information Packet

Parents and Teachers as Allies Faculty In-service flyer

Resources

Hope for Tomorrow Newsletter

Evidence Based Practices for Schools

Recommendations on Discussing Mental Health

Recommendations based on Utah Law

Mood Disorders

Depression

Bipolar Disorder

The Balanced Mind Foundation- (Formerly Children and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation)

Substance Use Disorders

National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Adminstration

Dealing with Addiction

Eating Disorders

National Eating Disorders Association

Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa

New Mental Health Lesson Plan in the PD Curriculum:  Prevention Dimensions is a PK-12 program to encourage Safe and Drug-free Schools and Communities, visit them on the web at www.utahpd.org

Please also explore our Online Resources for web links related to these topics.