HCA Florida Healthcare supports Orlando teens with mental wellness social media workshop

About 150 students at Cypress Creek High School attended a social media workshop earlier this week, led by HCA Florida Healthcare and EVERFI, a leader in powering social impact through education.  

“Mental wellness is vital to overall health, and today’s digital landscape plays a significant role in shaping young peoples’ experiences,” said Faddel Chouman, D.O., a psychiatry resident at HCA Florida Osceola Hospital who participated in the workshop. “HCA Florida Healthcare is grateful to Cypress Creek High School and our partners at EVERFI for facilitating this discussion to help students implement strategies that help balance online engagement and reality.”

During the interactive event, students broke into small groups to share their perspectives on how social media affects their mental health. Mental wellness specialists from HCA Florida Osceola Hospital provided students with practical tips and strategies for fostering a healthy relationship with social media demonstrating that, when used mindfully, it can be a powerful tool for connection and inspiration.

"In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the mental wellness of our youth is more crucial than ever. Education and community support play pivotal roles in equipping students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of online engagement,” said Alice Lee, head of customer experience and K-12, EVERFI. “By fostering an environment where students can learn and discuss the impact of social media on their mental health, we empower them to make informed decisions and build healthier relationships with technology. We are grateful for the support of HCA Florida Healthcare to champion this cause and support the well-being of our future generations."

A 2019 study of more than 6,500 U.S. adolescents ages 12–15 found those who spent more than three hours a day on social media may be at heightened risk for mental health challenges. Through its strategic partnership with EVERFI, HCA Healthcare implemented a digital course, Understanding Mental Wellness, to help educators foster mental well-being in their classrooms and provide students with lifelong mental wellness skills. HCA Healthcare’s mental wellness education partnership with EVERFI has reached more than 126,000 students nationwide since 2020.