Youth Mental Health Awareness Month happens every February. Our Suicide Prevention Council of Roanoke Valley is hosting two contests this year in observation of this important month: one group contest, and one individual contest! We will be giving away a total of $1,200 in cash prizes.

The group contest is open to youth-serving organizations (e.g. schools, faith-based youth groups, youth sports teams, or any that work directly with youth). Three winning groups will be awarded $250 each! The individual contest is open to youth ages 5 – 18.

Three winning groups will be awarded $250 each. Three individuals in each of the three age categories will receive $50 each. All winners will be notified by 3/23/26.

Group Contest Rules

• Your group must conduct at least one mental health awareness activity in the month of February.
• The activity must address the theme: “Break the Stigma” with a focus on youth mental health. #YouthMentalHealthMatters
• Participating groups must be from Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem City, Craig County, and/or Botetourt County.
• Groups must submit a brief report on activities in order to be entered into the prize drawing. Report forms will be sent to groups after registration and are due by 11:59 P.M. on 3/11/26.

Register Your Group

Register your group below. You will be sent a reporting form to be completed after your activity.

Individual Contest Rules

For youth ages 5 – 18.

Please create and submit a piece of media showcasing why mental health is important to you and ways we can “Break The Stigma.” Qualifying types of media include: illustrations, songs, dances, collages, videos, poems, spoken words, sculptures, posters…the sky is the limit!

AI art or creations will not be accepted or considered.

• Creations must address the theme: “Break the Stigma” with a focus on youth mental health. #YouthMentalHealthMatters
• Participating youth must be from Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem City, Craig County, and/or Botetourt County.
• Entries are due by 11:59 P.M. on 2/28/26.