4 Hall of Famers help tackle mental health challenges facing Petersburg (Va.) youth
Hall of Famers
Published on : 10/19/2023
The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Virginia Total Care, an organization committed to improving the health of Virginians and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, held “Strong Youth Strong Communities” (SYSC) Summits at schools across the Petersburg (Va.) City Public School system on Monday.
SYSC summits are a central component of the Hall of Fame’s, Virginia Total Care’s and Centene’s joint efforts to support the health of communities for generations to come by investing in today’s youth.
The youth summits were led by Hall of Famers DARRELL GREEN, BRUCE SMITH, AENEAS WILLIAMS and ANTHONY MUÑOZ, and former University of North Carolina women’s basketball standout Iman McFarland. More than 1,800 teens from Petersburg High School, Pittman Academy and Vernon Johns Middle School attended.
The youth of Petersburg are challenged by the exposure to crime, drugs, poverty and limited access to quality health care. This has resulted in an alarming surge of behavioral and mental health challenges among the school-age population. The summits featured interactive breakout sessions that enabled students the chance to discuss the challenges they face and the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to help them overcome adversity.
The athletes shared life lessons and ways students can support one another, set goals and stay resilient as they chase their dreams.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Virginia Total Care partnered with the City of Petersburg, Petersburg City Public Schools, Central Virginia Health Services and the YMCA of Greater Richmond on this event.
“Virginia’s youth have seen an increase in anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide,” said Centene Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Zane Yates. “The SYSC summits are an important catalyst for change. Through the partnerships of organizations like the Hall of Fame and local, like-minded organizations, we have an important and timely opportunity to work together to advance awareness of resources and services that can support a brighter future for students across Petersburg.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to support more than 1,800 students through access to resources and tools to support them in navigating the challenges they face at home, in school and with their peers,’ Yates said.
“Growing up in today’s world can be rough and present trying moments,” Green said. “Difficult situations at home or at school, combined with social isolation or trauma of different kinds, can create mental health challenges. It’s so important for us to connect with these young people here in Petersburg and let them know how to find the resources they need to navigate these obstacles.”
SYSC is a nationwide campaign led by Centene Corporation, in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, national nonprofit organizations and local community service providers to bring teens together to learn life and leadership skills that help unlock their potential. To learn more, please visit www.strongystrongc.com.
SYSC summits are a central component of the Hall of Fame’s, Virginia Total Care’s and Centene’s joint efforts to support the health of communities for generations to come by investing in today’s youth.
The youth summits were led by Hall of Famers DARRELL GREEN, BRUCE SMITH, AENEAS WILLIAMS and ANTHONY MUÑOZ, and former University of North Carolina women’s basketball standout Iman McFarland. More than 1,800 teens from Petersburg High School, Pittman Academy and Vernon Johns Middle School attended.
The youth of Petersburg are challenged by the exposure to crime, drugs, poverty and limited access to quality health care. This has resulted in an alarming surge of behavioral and mental health challenges among the school-age population. The summits featured interactive breakout sessions that enabled students the chance to discuss the challenges they face and the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to help them overcome adversity.
The athletes shared life lessons and ways students can support one another, set goals and stay resilient as they chase their dreams.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Virginia Total Care partnered with the City of Petersburg, Petersburg City Public Schools, Central Virginia Health Services and the YMCA of Greater Richmond on this event.
“Virginia’s youth have seen an increase in anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide,” said Centene Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer Zane Yates. “The SYSC summits are an important catalyst for change. Through the partnerships of organizations like the Hall of Fame and local, like-minded organizations, we have an important and timely opportunity to work together to advance awareness of resources and services that can support a brighter future for students across Petersburg.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to support more than 1,800 students through access to resources and tools to support them in navigating the challenges they face at home, in school and with their peers,’ Yates said.
“Growing up in today’s world can be rough and present trying moments,” Green said. “Difficult situations at home or at school, combined with social isolation or trauma of different kinds, can create mental health challenges. It’s so important for us to connect with these young people here in Petersburg and let them know how to find the resources they need to navigate these obstacles.”
About Strong Youth Strong Communities
SYSC is a nationwide campaign led by Centene Corporation, in partnership with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, national nonprofit organizations and local community service providers to bring teens together to learn life and leadership skills that help unlock their potential. To learn more, please visit www.strongystrongc.com.
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