Washtenaw County’s ‘Wish You Knew’ Campaign Offers 24/7 Mental Health Support During Holidays
The Washtenaw County Health Department rolled out its Wish You Knew mental health campaign. Residents can now access support any time of day or night during the holidays. Call 734-544-3050…
The Washtenaw County Health Department rolled out its Wish You Knew mental health campaign. Residents can now access support any time of day or night during the holidays. Call 734-544-3050 or dial 988 if you're struggling.
This campaign reaches out to people battling stress from deadlines, exams, family pressures, or money worries that pile up during the holidays. Lisa deRamos, Communications Coordinator with the Department, wants people to get help before things get worse.
"With looming deadlines, finals, financial stressors, colder weather, less daylight, and holiday stress, many folks may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed this time of year," said Jimena Loveluck, health officer with the agency, per The Sun Times News. "We want to remind community members that mental health resources are available."
Wish You Knew wants to get youth and adults talking about mental health. It also works to break down stigma. Money comes from the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage.
The campaign started in 2019 with Community Mental Health as a partner. Staff ran focus groups with local teens from 2023 to 2024. Teens said phrases like "You Are Not Alone" or "It Gets Better" sounded tired and brushed aside what they were going through.
"Young people didn't want to see smiling faces in the campaign; they wanted to see teens like them who are also struggling with their mental health," deRamos said.
The team brought back the campaign in fall 2024 with fresh materials. New taglines were added. Messages now read "Everyone's Struggle Looks Different," "It's OK to Not Be OK," and "It's OK to Ask for Help." This work has earned four international and national communications awards in 2024, plus a PRNEWS Nonprofit Award in 2025.
Free materials like posters, stickers, buttons, and pocket guide cards can be picked up or delivered. Just fill out an online order. The department also has downloadable PDF guides.
