Hi, How Are You encourages students to have open conversations about well-being

AUSTIN (KXAN)– The Hi How Are You Project has been teaching students how to be aware and manage their mental health for seven years. This month the project celebrates Austin’s Hi How Are You Day, with a tribute concert to the late Daniel Johnston and creating a safe space to encourage open conversations about well-being.

The Hi How Are You Project was created with the intention of educating young people about mental health and well-being.

The late celebrated singer and artist Daniel Johnston inspired the project. According to Tom Gimbel the co-founder of the project, Johnston battled Manic Depressive Schizophrenia throughout his lifetime.

In 2019 shortly after the Hi How Are You Project was brought to fruition, Gimbel and his partner Courtney Blanton spoke with Austin’s Mayor Steve Adler about proclaiming Jan. 22 (Johnstone’s birthday) as Hi How Are You Day in Austin. A day when Austin and surrounding communities shine a light on mental health.

“Hi, How Are You couldn’t happen in any place other than Austin, Texas. It’s such an open and friendly town, and we’re so proud that it started there,” Gimbel said.

Today, the project works with American Campus Community, a group of 22 college student housing companies that teach their resident advisors and councilors how to engage in mental health conversations with residents.

“Through that program, through that training, we reach 850,000 college students nationwide every year,” Gimbel said.

University of Texas Sophomore, Isabelle Flores is an RA at the American Campus Community Callaway House in Austin. Flores said she takes the skills she has learned from the program and uses them to help her residents through their college journeys.

This article originally appeared on KXAN.com.