Trevor Johnson, Michelle Veliz and Megan Matta with the Ottawa County Prevention Coalition were featured at Student Wellness Day at Port Clinton High School.

Port Clinton High School, the Ottawa County Prevention Coalition and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) held a Student Wellness Day for students on Monday, Dec. 12 that had been organized by high school staff. Students heard presentations on substance abuse and suicide prevention.

The program provided education on understanding and preventing suicide, what helps to establish or maintain mental health wellness, where to get help, and how to get help. Presenters were from NAMI Northwest, serving Seneca, Ottawa, Wyandot and Huron counties.

The Ottawa County Prevention Coalition through the Ottawa County Health Department and Drug Task Force spoke to students about substance abuse in Ottawa County and the physical and emotional effects of use. Students learned there are people and agencies in schools in Ottawa County available to help.

Katelynn Sheppard shared her compelling personal story and struggles with addiction.

After a morning of tough topics, time was set aside in the afternoon for discussions and connecting with each other. Student sessions taught different methods of unwinding and unplugging that included crocheting, quiet reading, euchre, meditation, Chinese calligraphy and woodworking.

The event was organized by Assistant Principal Brian Hughes, Social Services Counselor Heidi Steyer and Principal Gary Steyer with input from Michelle Veliz, Trevor Johnson, Katelynn Sheppard, and Julie Richards and Ann Rusher from NAMI Northwest Ohio. See the complete photo album at www.pccsd.net.