In Franklin, North Carolina, a young girl took charge and organized a youth mental health rally for the second year in a row. Gracie Parker, who is just 11 years old, led the Why Not Us? Rally on Sunday, April 28, with Kody Kinsley, the secretary for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, as the keynote speaker.
Gracie’s advocacy for children facing trauma and mental health struggles began at the age of five when her mother passed away due to substance abuse. This experience fueled her passion to make a difference in the lives of young people who are struggling with their behavioral health.
The event attracted important figures like Kody Kinsley who emphasized the importance of caring for children’s behavioral health in order for them to learn and thrive. Gracie, who has been advocating for mental health at various events across the state and even in Washington D.C., hopes to see the rally’s impact continue to grow each year.
The event provided valuable resources to help attendees better cope with and improve their behavioral health. Gracie and Kinsley are both passionate about the cause and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the mental health of young children in their community and beyond.
