Eleven-year-old Gracie Parker of Franklin led the second annual Youth Mental Health Rally on Sunday, April 28 at the downtown gazebo. The keynote speaker was N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley.
“We are here because of one very brave, very strong, very good at emailing-me-a-lot, 11-year-old in Gracie,” Kinsley said.
Through her nonprofit Why Us Kids? Parker advocates for early-intervention trauma counselors in all elementary schools.
Kinsley said he met Parker at a mental health town hall in Cherokee and learned that even an 11-year-old can be brave in sharing their trauma to help people. Kinsley said he’s learned when you’re vulnerable and share your story, the community will show up and be eager to help you.
“One voice has rallied so many,” Kinsley said.
Kinsley noted suicide is the second-leading cause of death in kids aged 10-18 and has been rising. Also, on any night, 86 kids are sleeping on the floor of a social services office somewhere in North Carolina.
Kinsley’s first time in Macon County was in 2003 when he was running operations for a behavioral health company out of Transylvania County, begging a bank to keep their credit line open.
“Tragically for too long, that has been the story of behavioral health in our state, one day and one dollar at a time, because it has been seen as a moral failing and not a medical issue, it’s been seen as an issue that can so easily be swept under the rug or slept off in an office, and what gives me hope and such optimism is Gracie stepping forward with her story,” Kinsley said, noting that North Carolina has invested $835 million for mental health, thanking N.C. Sen. Kevin Corbin for pushing for it.
“I’m really optimistic for everything coming together for mental health, finally,” Kinsley said. “Folks, it is nothing short of magic that an 11-year-old has brought us all together.”
After his speech, Kinsley said he was impressed by Parker’s strength and the community “who will clear the street on a Sunday to come out and talk about these issues we use to keep out of the way.”
Going forward, Kinsley said it’s going to take more action to keep this momentum going.
“We’re building new systems and crisis centers, we’re investing in new resources to be available in schools and in the home, and those are beginning to come online,” Kinsley said. “At the same time that’s coming online, we need more families and more kids to have conversations about mental health so we can meet in the middle and make a difference.”
With Rhonda Drake leading the festivities, Parker spoke first, followed by Franklin Mayor Jack Horton and Macon County Commissioners Board Chair Gary Shields.
Danya Ledford, a Franklin High graduate and former district court judge who currently practices as a lawyer in Waynesville, implored people to become foster parents and guardian ad litems.
“We can’t just throw money at it, we can’t just throw therapy at it, it has to be a holistic community effort with every single person that’s a part of the court system and community,” Ledford said. “If you are here because you are led to be here…there is a spot for you to help these children.”
After Kinsley, Michael Cooper and Tiffany Gladney of the nonprofit North Carolina Child spoke to the crowd. Gladney spoke about her mental illness diagnosis and her troubles as a youth.
“What Gracie has done will undoubtedly save lives,” Gladney said.
Parker talked about losing her mom to drugs at six months old and her dad not being a part of her life “due to drugs and prison.” Parker has been raised by her grandparents, going to events and speaking to leaders in venues from Franklin to the lawn of the White House.
Parker said a trauma counselor in elementary school would only cost around $2.50 per student and that it’s a worthwhile investment.
“We need prevention now instead of intervention later,” Parker said. “Kids as young as me and younger than me are committing suicide every day because of bullying and other traumas they’re dealing with.”
“Please hear our cries, we need your help now, please give us the help we deserve by investing in our future today so us kids can have a fighting chance to be healthy, strong adults,” Parker concluded.
Heather Tomberlin spoke about the stigma of autism and her late brother’s battles with cancer. Alisa Ashe, executive director of the nonprofit KIDS Place Children’s Advocacy Center, spoke about the importance of caring for kids who suffer from mental health issues, followed by Macon County Board of Education Chair Jim Breedlove talking about the school system.
“This year alone, we started in August, we’ve had 50 cases of suicidal ideation that we know of. These are children of elementary school age who expressed this. It’s unbelievable,” Breedlove said. He noted there are 62 cases of homeless students in Macon County Schools.
Following the speeches, Parker led a march down Main Street to Franklin Town Hall. There, she left a “Why Us Kids?” pamphlet, then led the march back to the gazebo.
Along with the speeches and the march, there were tents geared toward coping skills, with street art, a scavenger hunt, face painting and bunny therapy.
After the march and the rally wrapped up, Parker said she felt great but encouraged future action.
“Make a movement, that’s when you love something important to you, and haters’ gonna hate, do what you love,” Parker said.