Milwaukee Youth Take Over Mental Health Conversation with “1More” Campaign
MILWAUKEE, WI — April 30, 2026 — At a time when youth mental health challenges are rising across Milwaukee, a group of local teens iare stepping up to lead the conversation.
On April 30 at the PEAK Initiative, Milwaukee youth launched 1More, a campaign built over the past 18 months to confront the stigma surrounding mental health head-on, spark honest conversation, and push people toward connection, understanding, and meaningful action. The message is grounded in their own experiences and the belief that one more text, one more call, or one more conversation can make a real difference.
The campaign was introduced alongside community leaders including Gary Mueller of Serve Marketing, State Representative Dora Drake, Mary Madden of NAMI Southeast Wisconsin, and Emani Taylor of INPOWER, who joined youth ambassadors in sharing why this work matters now.
In Wisconsin, more than half of high school students report experiencing anxiety, and nearly one in five teens have seriously considered suicide. For the youth behind 1More, those statistics are personal and they’re driving action. As one ambassador shared, “Those small moments…are some of the most important…to prevent those very severe instances.”
Rather than a traditional awareness campaign, 1More reflects how young people actually support each other, through honest, direct communication. “It doesn’t feel like a campaign—it feels like a friend reaching out,” said Mary Madden.
Beyond its message, the campaign has also created opportunity. The teens involved worked alongside marketing professionals to develop strategy, shape creative, and bring the campaign to life, gaining confidence and exposure to careers they may not have previously considered.
The work will continue across Milwaukee throughout Mental Health Awareness Month and into the summer, with youth leading conversations in schools and communities and encouraging others to check in, speak up, and connect.
Learn more or get involved at 1morecounts.com. Interviews with Youth Ambassadors are available upon request. Media assets are available here
1More campaign
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Press Release
Latina- and Woman-Owned New Berlin Shop Marks 6 Months Helping Families Earn Through Resale
Apr 22nd, 2026 by Press ReleaseLa Segunda celebrates growing community impact, giving families a way to make money while shopping sustainably.
World Premiere of a Fun, New Film by Pam Percy
Apr 22nd, 2026 by Press ReleaseBrava: A Titillating History of Bras Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Oriental Theatre
