News and Events
Youth Mental Wellness Champion Cohort Accepting Applications
The Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health is now accepting applications for the Youth Mental Wellness Champions 2026-27 Cohort!
Each academic year, fifteen high school Juniors and Seniors with varied lived experiences across Wisconsin are selected to join the cohort and engage in monthly virtual meetings (September – April) to expand their knowledge and skills on topics such as belonging, peer support, data interpretation, advocacy, and more. To conclude their participation in May, the Champions attend an in-person gathering and present a poster on a wellness topic of their choosing at the State Capitol!
The application form is now open for the 2026-27 Champion Cohort!
Learn more about this leadership program by viewing our program flyer.
New Fact Sheet: Vaping and Youth Mental Health
Teens often try vaping thinking it will help relieve stress. However, vaping can worsen anxiety, depression, and stress levels – only deepening youth mental health issues. Vaping may temporarily create a quick feeling of relief, but the withdrawal symptoms increase stress and anxiety, creating a stress spiral – a cycle that makes young people feel like they need to vape again to cope with the stress caused by vaping.
Central Wisconsin Works to Prevent Vaping
Marathon, Wood, and Portage Counties have formed the Nicotine Prevention Alliance of Central Wisconsin to tackle vaping on three fronts:
- School district policy changes
- Youth Voices Project
- Building trust and knowledge with youth
Read about their work in our newest Showcasing Solutions publication.