A vibrant display of green sand marked Jackson County Middle School on Monday as the Jackson County System of Care Children's Mental Health Coalition partnered with school staff to host the "Green Sand Project." The initiative, held on Monday, May 5, aimed to spark conversations and raise awareness about the importance of children's mental health during Children’s Mental Health Action Week.
The event, which began at 8 a.m. at the school, located at 170 Blue Devil Lane, involved school staff, community members, and various partners. Participants wore green attire, the recognized color for children's mental health, and poured green sand into sidewalk cracks leading to the school's main entrance. The visual was intended to be an unusual sight, prompting questions and initiating discussions about mental health to increase awareness and reduce stigma.
The Jackson County System of Care Children's Mental Health Coalition is dedicated to improving the mental well-being of youth, adults, families, and the community. The coalition aims to unite residents, school personnel, parents, agencies, and other community stakeholders. Their strategies include organizing events, providing training, and connecting individuals with mental health services. The Green Sand Project was a specific effort during Children’s Mental Health Action Week, observed nationally during the first full week of May and spearheaded by the National Federation of Families. The national theme for 2025 was "That's a WRAP!", focusing on Wellness, Resilience, Action, and Purpose.
The selection of green sand holds significance in children's mental health, as it is the official color. Green symbolizes new life, growth, and fresh beginnings. While historically used to label individuals with mental illness in the 1800s, the children's mental health community has reclaimed the color to represent hope and renewal. A green ribbon is now an internationally recognized symbol of support for mental health.
The Jackson County System of Care Children's Mental Health Coalition likely operates under TN Voice, a Tennessee non-profit focused on mental health transformation. In January 2025, TN Voice merged with Nurture the Next to create a more integrated support system for children, families, and individuals. A key program of TN Voice is the System of Care Across Tennessee (SOCAT), implemented with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) and the Centerstone Research Institute (CRI). SOCAT provides community-based services and intensive support to young children, children, youth, and their families, empowering them in their care. SOCAT services are available in Jackson County through Volunteer Behavioral Health (VBH). The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency in Gainesboro is also a listed mental health provider, indicating potential local involvement.
The Green Sand Project addresses the need for increased awareness and support for children's mental health in Tennessee. Data indicates that approximately 22.2% of children aged 3 to 17 in Tennessee have been told by a healthcare provider that they currently have ADHD, depression, or anxiety, or have been identified as having behavior problems. Suicide is also a concern, with 146 deaths among children aged 9 to 17 between 2019 and 2022, and the suicide rate in this age group rising from 4.1 to 4.9 per 100,000 population. Tennessee had the 15th highest rate of suicides among children aged 9 to 17 in 2022. Many children in Tennessee who need mental health treatment do not receive it. A 2023 Vanderbilt Child Health Poll revealed parental concerns about children's mental health and suicide risk, and an increasing percentage of students in Tennessee have reported feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
The act of spreading green sand is a deliberate symbolic gesture to promote social awareness. Symbolic gestures can enhance communication by providing a visual representation of ideas and reinforcing messages. The unusual sight of green sand in sidewalk cracks is intended to prompt individuals to ask about its meaning, opening a dialogue about children's mental health. Such actions can raise awareness and foster a sense of collective identity around important issues.
The Green Sand Project in Jackson County represents a proactive community effort to address children's mental health. By using a simple yet powerful symbol, the Jackson County System of Care Children's Mental Health Coalition, with the support of TN Voice and the community, aimed to break the silence surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations. This initiative highlights the importance of reducing stigma and fostering a supportive environment where children feel comfortable seeking help and where the community is united in its commitment to their well-being. Resources such as the TN Voice website, SOCAT, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available for those seeking support or information. The collective action in Jackson County underscores the hopeful message that communities can indeed come together to support the mental health of their children.
