Teens lead charge to improve mental health support in Johnson County [Video]

MISSION, Kan. — Zero Reasons Why has supported teens in Johnson County advocating for their mental health since 2018.

The group’s work helped the community see a 33% decrease in teen suicide from 2019-2020, according to Johnson County Mental Health Center Director Tim DeWeese.

Trisha Rastogi, teen council member, explained to KSHB 41 reporter Olivia Acree that Zero Reasons Why is all about teens helping teens.

“I’m able to provide a teen perspective of mental health,” Rastogi said.

When Johnson County initiated a dive deep into teen mental health, officials found there was a voice missing from the conversation — teens.

“It’s a little bit of like a sense of relatability knowing that somebody that you’re asking for support likely has gone through some of the similar things,” Rastogi said.

With the start of the school year on the horizon, DeWeese said the organization is looking for its next class of council members.

“We’ve gone seven years now. That …