Mahopac High School continues to strengthen its commitment to student wellness through an ongoing partnership with NAMI Putnam County, bringing important mental health education directly to students.
Since first visiting Mahopac in October 2024, NAMI has returned each semester to present its Ending the Silence program, making Mahopac High School the organization’s first school partner in Putnam County. The collaboration has since expanded to other districts, reflecting the impact of the program and the importance of these conversations.
During a recent visit, NAMI volunteers spent a full day at the high school delivering presentations designed to increase awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The Ending the Silence program combines factual information about mental health conditions with personal stories of recovery, helping students better understand the signs of mental health challenges and how to seek help for themselves or others.
Among the presenters was Mahopac resident Christopher Gaur, a longtime NAMI volunteer who has been involved in school-based programming for more than a decade. Drawing from both his professional experience and personal journey, Gaur works to help students feel more comfortable talking about mental health and reaching out for support when needed.
“Providing students with opportunities to learn about mental health in an open and supportive environment is so important,” Mahopac’s K-12 health coordinator Valarie Nierman said. “When speakers like Chris come in and so generously share their lived experiences, they are helping to normalize conversations that may still feel very difficult for individuals and families. It is important for our students to know that they are not alone.”
Through this continued partnership, Mahopac High School is helping equip students with the knowledge and resources to support their own well-being and that of their peers, while fostering a school environment where conversations around mental health are open, informed and supportive.