Simpson Sophomores Present Research Findings to Indianola School Board
Students Ava Carnes ‘27 and Jack Campbell ’27 recently presented their research on mental health literacy and its impact on adolescents in public schools to the Indianola School Board. The following was written by Campbell, who shared the details of their presentation and research.
What prompted our research was our desire to source out the root causes of the evident uptick in mental health struggles in adolescents in recent years, specifically in Indianola and Warren County.
While exploring mental healthcare availability in our area, we created a list of the practicing physicians in our area with the goal of mapping out accessibility. From there, we started asking the question: “What are the current challenges the kids of our community facing that obstruct them from receiving the help they need (such as finances, transportation, and availability), and how can we help?
This led us to consider the impact that schools can have on mental health. We realized the urgency behind adolescents receiving the care they need. In our presentation to the Indianola Community School District Board, we aimed to convey this sense of urgency that we are so passionate about.
The research presentation to the board is the first step in an ongoing project on mental health resources. Our research mentor and Professor of Philosophy, John Pauley, wrote a grant last May that includes goals, presentations to community leaders, academic conferences, and a published essay. Professor Pauley, Ava and I thank Simpson College for the research grant and opportunities it has created.
Article Information
Published
January 10, 2025
Author
Jack Campbell '27, Political Science and Music
