Championing Children’s Mental Health: 11-Year-Old Gracie Parker’s Second Annual Why Not Us? Rally”.

For the second year in a row, a young girl from Franklin, North Carolina organized a youth mental health rally. Gracie Parker, who is now 11 years old, led the Why Not Us? Rally on April 28th, with the state’s top health official, Kody Kinsley, serving as the keynote speaker.

Gracie has been advocating for elementary-aged children facing trauma and mental health struggles since she was five years old. After losing her mother to substance abuse when she was a baby, Gracie felt compelled to use her voice to raise awareness about mental health issues that affect children.

The first rally was held in 2023, and this year’s event provided attendees with information on resources to help cope and improve behavioral health. Kinsley emphasized the importance of caring for children’s behavioral health, stating that kids cannot learn unless they are healthy and well. He commended Gracie for her advocacy efforts, noting that she has traveled across the state and even to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about mental health.

Both Gracie and Kinsley expressed their desire to see the rally and its impact continue to grow each year. The event was a platform for increasing awareness and support for youth mental health issues, with the hope of making a positive difference in the lives of children facing challenges.