Mount Gilead Superintendent Zack Howard offers to “go first”

"I'll Go First" is a campaign by the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board to start important conversations about behavioral health care. Everyone struggles at some point in their life, but some people still view mental health as a difficult thing to bring up. That's why we're asking some people you may know to "go first."

Mount Gilead Exempted Village Schools Superintendent Zack Howard loves to start his mornings in the elementary student drop-off line, greeting kids as they start their day. It's part of his larger effort to instill a sense of belonging in Park Avenue Elementary students and let them know the district values them and respects their mental health.

In this week's installment of "I'll Go First," Superintendent Howard talks about his work to connect with students and what else the district does to champion students' mental health.

You can find the first “I’ll Go First” episode with former Powell Mayor Jon Bennehoof here, the second episode with Morrow County Sheriff John Hinton here, and last week’s episode with Stockhands Horses for Healing Executive DIrector Tim Funk here.

If you're in crisis or need assistance, call HelpLine at 1-800-684-2324 or text "HelpLine" to 898211.

You can find other resources at dmmhrsb.org or by scanning the QR code at the end of this video.