Kaiser Permanente partners with Imagination Stage, a nationally recognized performing arts education organization, to deliver Educational Theatre programs across the nation. Educational Theatre is part of Kaiser Permanente’s Thriving Schools initiative, which works to strengthen the health and well-being of school communities across the country, so every school succeeds, every employee excels, and every child thrives. Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre powered by Imagination Stage is currently touring mental health and resilience programs — Empathy Quest, Ghosted, and RISE UP — while also developing new arts-based learning programs aligned to school health needs.
In March, Kaiser Permanente hosted a viewing of Ghosted in Maryland which addressed the urgent need for conversation around youth mental health at a time when young people are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress, isolation, and anxiety.
Written by June Caryll and directed by Alina Collins Maldonado, Ghosted follows three high school students navigating stress, depression, and the emotional aftermath of a school tragedy. Through authentic storytelling and relatable dialogue, the production reflects students’ real-world experiences and encourages open discussion about mental health, coping strategies, and seeking support.
Following the performance, a live panel discussion brought together community and health leaders to explore youth mental health and the role of the arts in fostering connection, healing, and learning. The panel was moderated by Laura Geller, award-winning CBS News journalist, and featured:
- Christina Lee, MD, psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente
- Jennifer Grinnell, director of community mental health at EveryMind
- Delegate Teresa Woorman, Maryland General Assembly, District 16
“Creating intentional spaces for young people to be heard is essential,” said Damion Perkins, youth mental health lead for community health at Kaiser Permanente. “I am proud to do this work at Kaiser Permanente, addressing critical youth mental health issues while strengthening arts integration and the use of drama as a powerful tool for connection and learning. Conversations like this matter, and so does continuing the work to support the mental health of our young people.”
Through programs like Ghosted, Kaiser Permanente continues to invest in arts-based education as a powerful approach to helping students navigate complex emotions, build empathy, and engage in conversations that traditional methods may not always reach. Theatre provides a unique platform for reflection, understanding, and collective learning which helps young people feel seen, supported, and encouraged to seek help when needed.
This event and production underscores Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing commitment to advancing youth mental health awareness and creating opportunities for honest, supportive dialogue among young people.
