11-Year-Old Gracie Parker Leads Second Annual Why Not Us? Rally for Children’s Mental Health in Franklin, North Carolina

In Franklin, North Carolina, a young girl named Gracie Parker led the Why Not Us? Rally on Sunday, April 28 for the second year in a row. At just 11 years old, Gracie has been advocating for children facing trauma and mental health struggles since she was five years old. Her passion for this cause started when her mother passed away due to substance abuse.

This year’s rally attracted important figures such as Kody Kinsley, the secretary for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Kinsley emphasized the importance of caring for children’s behavioral health in order for them to learn and thrive. Gracie, who has been advocating for mental health at various events across the state and even in Washington D.C., hopes to see the rally’s impact continue to grow each year.

The event provided valuable resources to help attendees better cope with and improve their behavioral health. Both Gracie and Kinsley are passionate about this cause and are dedicated to making a positive impact on the mental health of young children in their community and beyond.