Erin Gustafson, Kimball Johnson, Sydney Lunn, Gabriella Kretkowski 

Sponsor or Client: 

Title:

Mental Health and Blue Space

Abstract:

Mental health issues are on the rise, implementing a high need for coping skills and prevention strategies among elementary-aged children. Developmental years are very important to overall health and well-being, and we plan to utilize the power of blue spaces to increase mindfulness and overall personal awareness. Our impact objectives are to increase self-efficacy and awareness of positive mental health outcomes as a result of engaging the senses in blue spaces. Consistent use of blue spaces in a withstanding goal- and decreased rates of poor mental health and distress in Coconino County is our long-term goal. Our first activity will be creating and distributing pamphlets containing educational materials on the benefits of blue space on mental health, and where to access local blue spaces. Our second activity will be using watercolor paints with our participants. Our third activity will be a guided hike down the Rio de Flag, and a mindfulness practice using guided meditation at the base of the river. Objectives will be evaluated using pre and post-assessment surveys. Surveys will analyze participants’ knowledge of local blue spaces and their connection to mental health, participants’ confidence in effectively utilizing blue spaces as resources, and mental health status.