CONTACT: Stacey S. Giammarco, Director of Development
(330) 996-4600
sgiammarco@redoakbh.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Akron, OH (July 10, 2019) – Red Oak Behavioral Health, a not-for-profit behavioral health agency in Akron, is entering into partnership with The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park to provide children ranging in ages five to 18 to participate in a week-long series called “Interventions in Greenspace.”
The program is a part of Red Oak’s 2019 summer outreach and therapeutic engagement with school-aged students and focuses on addressing existing mental and behavioral disparities by providing guided interventions to support mental wellness and behavioral health using outdoor activity in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In addition to hiking and experiencing nature with a CVNP ranger, participants will engage in art therapy, music therapy, and hands-on sensory experiences.
“We couldn’t be more excited to begin this partnership with the Conservancy,” said Megan Kleidon, CEO at Red Oak Behavioral Health. “The opportunity to showcase our beautiful park system and teach children how to use nature and the outdoors to help them manage their mental health symptoms is exactly why we’re embarking upon this program,” Kleidon added. “We have seen firsthand the serenity children experience when engaging in greenspace, and we’re thrilled to provide them this opportunity.”
Both Red Oak and The Conservancy hope this is the beginning of a long-standing relationship that allows for increased access and programming for children through their local national park.
“We are pleased to provide experiences in the park for children,” said Conservancy CEO Deb Yandala. “Research shows the many benefits for mental and physical health of being in nature, and our national park provides an important resource for children and families in NE Ohio.”
The Conservancy prides itself on providing transformative experiences to thousands of children each year. Co-managed by the National Park Service, the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center has been the Conservancy’s flagship program for 25 years, providing unique, highly engaging overnight and day programs that connect kids to the natural wonders and rich history of Ohio’s only national park.
For more about The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, visit forcvnp.org. For more information about Red Oak Behavioral Health please visit the website at redoakbh.org.
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Red Oak Behavioral Health
Red Oak Behavioral Health is an accredited non-profit organization that has served the greater Akron community since 1963. Its mission is to change lives by partnering with the community and those in need of behavioral health services.
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a non-profit organization created to enrich lives and our communities by inspiring use, appreciation and support of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and ensure its preservation. The Conservancy is supported by our corporate sponsors Cascade Auto Group, The J.M. Smucker Company, and patrons like you.