Mental health plays a critical role in a child’s ability to learn, build relationships, and navigate everyday challenges. Across Tennessee, many children experience stress, anxiety, bullying, and emotional overwhelm at an early age, yet often lack the language or tools to talk about what they are feeling. The Erase the Stigma –Youth (ETS-Y) program was created to meet this need.
Operated by Mental Health America of the MidSouth and supported by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), ETS-Y has reached thousands of Tennessee children, families, and educators with free, evidence-informed mental health education. The program provides age-appropriate presentations that help children and teens understand their emotions, build healthy coping skills, and learn when and how to ask for help.
ETS-Y presentations are designed for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade and are tailored to meet developmental needs. Younger students learn how to identify feelings, manage worry, respond to bullying, and build healthy friendships. Older students explore topics such as stress, anxiety, depression, nutrition, decision-making, and practical coping strategies they can use in everyday life. Each presentation encourages open conversation, reduces stigma, and reinforces that mental health is just as important as physical health.
A friendly duck character, I.C. Hope, helps guide younger students through the lessons, creating a welcoming and engaging environment where children feel safe discussing their emotions. Through I.C. Hope, students learn that everyone has feelings, that it is okay to talk about them, and that asking for help is a sign of strength.
The impact of ETS-Y extends beyond the classroom. When children are given the language to express their emotions, families and caregivers are better equipped to understand what their child is experiencing. This shared understanding supports healthier conversations at home and helps reduce fear, confusion, or shame surrounding mental health. Families also learn early warning signs of stress or emotional challenges, allowing them to seek support sooner and connect with helpful resources.
ETS-Y additionally supports teachers and school staff by providing shared language, practical tools, and classroom-friendly strategies to address student needs with confidence. By equipping both students and adults, the program helps schools create more supportive, emotionally healthy learning environments.
Free ETS-Y presentations are available to schools, organizations, and community groups across Tennessee. To learn more, visit Mental Health America of MidSouth: Erase the Stigma.
To schedule a presentation or ask questions, contact:
West Tennessee: Zakeria Clark, ETS-Y Program Director – zclark@mhamidsouth.org
Middle Tennessee: Natalie Looney, Middle TN Coordinator – nlooney@mhamidsouth.org
If your family needs mental health support right away, you can call the TDMHSAS helpline at +1-800-560-5767 or text 988 to reach trained counselors anytime.