As one of Northwest Indiana's behavioral health providers, Edgewater Health professionals want patients, especially teens, across the region to talk about mental health.
A new art contest from the provider is helping to break down that stigma, said Latanya Woodson, director of community health education at Edgewater Health.
“We need to start having more transparent conversations with our youth, especially teens,” Woodson said. “Speak up, reach out and break the silence around mental health.”
Edgewater Health is hosting an art competition called “Speak Up.” Contact us. Break the Silence.” The contest is open to teenage Indiana residents enrolled in a Lake County high school.
Applicants can submit oil, watercolor, spray, finger painting, pencil artwork, collage and artwork incorporating fibers or found objects, according to the Edgewater competition flyer. Artworks generated by artificial intelligence will not be accepted.
Before submitting their work, applicants must register for the competition by January 24, 2025, and fill out the registration form with a guardian’s signature. Students must also submit a statement of 300 to 500 words.
Artwork must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2025. Submissions can be mailed to Edgewater Health, 1100 W. 6th Ave., Gary.
Entries in first, second and third place will receive cash prizes, with first and second place each receiving $500 and third place receiving $250. The first place winner will also be featured at Edgewater's Community Gala on June 7, 2025 at Hard Rock Casino.
Woodson is excited to see the applications the contest receives.
“In terms of mental health and wellness, this competition will not only showcase (the students’) talents, but will begin to normalize health conversations,” Woodson said. “We're not talking about it as much as we should, and not in a healthy way, and I think this will start the process of helping students start those conversations.”
A third of Indiana high school students reported having poor mental health most or always in 2023, according to results of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2023 Youth At-Risk Behavior Survey. The survey also found that 47% of students suffered from depression in 2023. last year.
Woodson said she believes it is important for students to understand what they are feeling, and that professionals at Edgewater are available if students need them.
Woodson said there is no right or wrong interpretation of the competition's theme.
“Just speak up, extend your hand, and break the silence,” she said. “We just want to encourage (the students) to use their creativity. We want to inspire and encourage them to participate in this competition.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
