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IN THIS ISSUE: PRIMARY ELECTION DETAILS POSTED page 9

APRIL 29, 2020

SERVING THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES SINCE 1954

VOL LXI • NO 15

Partnership Provides Mental Health Information To Teenagers By Ann Mead Ash

The Samaritan Counseling Center’s TeenHope website page presents some sobering statistics about youths in Lancaster County. Nearly 30% of teenagers say they feel sad or depressed most days. Almost 16% have seriously considered attempting suicide, and more than 9% of students have attempted suicide. Gretchen Gaudioso, client and family advocate with Mental Health America Lancaster County (MHALC), has been visiting schools for some time, working to educate students about mental health issues. TeenHope addresses mental health issues by offering screening programs for depression, anxiety, and suicide risk to area middle and high school students. Since the beginning of the fall 2019 semester, MHALC and TeenHope have been working together to provide stu-

dents with education regarding anxiety, depression, and suicide prior to the screenings. “ When I learned of (MHALC’s) existing program, it seemed to be a perfect fit,” said Kim Moore, director of TeenHope. That realization led to a pilot program at a couple of Lancaster County high schools, where Gaudioso has spoken to students who were participating in screenings. Gaudioso educates teenagers about mental health treatments, which include therapy, medication if needed, having supportive people around, and educating oneself about symptoms. She also talks about the steps involved in getting help and the different types of therapists available, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed social workers, and she talks about what students can expect during the screening. Part of Gaudioso’s presentation is to encourage students to be honest during the screening. “I tell them they need to See TeenHope pg 6

Gretchen Gaudioso (front), client and family advocate with Mental Health America Lancaster County (MHALC), educates students about mental health issues. MHALC recently began working with TeenHope, which addresses mental health issues by offering screening programs for depression, anxiety, and suicide risk to area middle and high school students.

Making Masks In Elizabethtown Planting Positivity By Ann Mead Ash

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Sheila Hartmann of Elizabethtown first heard about area sewers making masks around the first week in early April. “My daughter Kacy was on (social media) with friends, and she said, ‘Somebody we know is making masks, but she can only do four a day and she is desperately looking for people who sew to help or donate material,’” Sheila recalled. Sheila wasted no time connecting with the friend’s mother, who connected her with a small group of women in Elizabethtown and Mount Joy who were making masks, including Deborah Santiago and Donna Shenk. Before long, that group had joined up with Lancaster Masks Sewists. The mission of Lancaster Masks See Masks pg 2

By Leah Sintic

During an unsettling time of social distancing and cancellations, many local residents have found a therapeutic and productive outlet in gardening,

whether it is a newfound interest or a longtime hobby. For families looking for activities that can involve their children, gardening can get the entire family away from screens while providing opportunities See Gardening pg 5

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Kacy Hartmann of Elizabethtown is helping her mother, Sheila, make masks for Lancaster Masks Sewists, a group that coordinates volunteers making masks for Lancaster County health care workers and others in need.

Flowers in a window box are one way to dress up a home’s exterior.

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