Cope Notes expanding mental health services into Tampa Bay area schools

TAMPA, Fla. — Cope Notes, a digital mental health support system, is working to expand into Tampa Bay area schools.

Founded in 2018, President Johnny Crowder says he started struggling with mental health as a child and hopes to give other kids access to support.

“I think about my own life and how much different my life would be if I would have received help at a younger age rather than later,” said Crowder, who hopes sharing his past can help others heal.

“I almost didn’t survive my youth, and I almost didn’t survive young adulthood,” Crowder said. “And I’ve made multiple attempts on my own life and I’ve survived all of them, and I feel lucky.”

The Pasco County Schools District is currently in the approval process to partner with Cope Notes. Crowder says it’s essential to reach students in middle and high school. Faculty and staff would also get a daily note.

“Psychology facts, journaling prompts, exercises and we’re interrupting negative thought patterns and training the brain to think healthier thoughts,” Crowder explained.

He hopes it helps get teens talking about their mental health and reminds them resources are available.