Student Designs Launch County-Wide Mental Health Campaign

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 19:36 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

P-S I Love Brew: A County-Wide Initiative Blooms from Merrick Student Designs, Expanding Mental Health Outreach

MERRICK, NY - What began as a local Merrick school project has blossomed into a county-wide mental health awareness campaign, dubbed 'P-S I Love Brew,' significantly expanding its reach thanks to the innovative designs of Nassau County students. The project, initially focusing on creative coffee sleeve artwork, is now a multi-faceted effort involving schools across the county, local businesses, and the Nassau County Mental Health Awareness Task Force, demonstrating a powerful synergy between youth creativity and community action.

Originally conceived as a small-scale initiative at Merrick schools, the idea centered around leveraging the ubiquity of coffee culture to subtly promote mental well-being. Students were challenged to design coffee sleeves featuring uplifting messages, encouraging words, and imagery promoting self-care and help-seeking behaviors. The initial response was overwhelmingly positive, with submissions reflecting a deep understanding of mental health challenges and a genuine desire to foster a more supportive environment.

Sarah Goldberg, a representative from the Nassau County Mental Health Awareness Task Force, explains that the project's organic growth stemmed from its simple yet effective approach. "The coffee sleeve isn't a lecture; it's a gentle reminder, a visual cue that says 'it's okay to not be okay,' and 'there's support available.' It normalizes the conversation," she states. "We quickly realized this wasn't just a Merrick story. Students across the county had similar experiences and perspectives to share."

Since its inception, 'P-S I Love Brew' has expanded to include participating schools in Garden City, Hempstead, and Long Beach, with plans to incorporate more districts in the coming months. Each school's art department has been involved in the design process, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among students. This year's themes have expanded beyond self-care to include topics like navigating social anxiety, coping with academic pressure, and recognizing the signs of depression in peers.

The Task Force has been working diligently to secure partnerships with a growing number of local coffee shops. Currently, over 30 establishments across Nassau County are distributing the student-designed sleeves, reaching a diverse demographic of commuters, students, and residents. Several coffee shops have gone beyond simply distributing the sleeves, hosting mental health awareness events and displaying student artwork in their stores. A new partnership with "The Daily Grind" coffee chain includes a percentage of sales from a special "P-S I Love Brew" blend being donated to the Task Force to fund further mental health initiatives.

The initiative's success isn't solely attributed to the visually appealing designs. The Task Force has also integrated QR codes onto the sleeves, linking users to a comprehensive online resource hub. This hub provides access to local mental health services, crisis hotlines, online support groups, and educational materials. Goldberg highlights that the digital component is crucial in connecting individuals with the help they need. "The sleeve gets their attention, the QR code directs them to resources," she explains.

Looking ahead, the Task Force is planning a county-wide 'P-S I Love Brew' showcase event, exhibiting the student artwork and celebrating the campaign's success. They are also exploring opportunities to expand the initiative beyond coffee sleeves, potentially including designs on reusable water bottles and tote bags. The long-term goal is to create a sustained, visible presence promoting mental health awareness throughout Nassau County. The power of this project lies in its relatability and accessibility. By utilizing a common, everyday item like a coffee sleeve, 'P-S I Love Brew' is effectively breaking down barriers and sparking vital conversations about mental health, one cup at a time. The collaboration between students, businesses, and the Mental Health Awareness Task Force serves as a model for other communities seeking innovative ways to address this critical issue.