Hannah Lucas

Hannah Lucas is a mental health advocate and young entrepreneur best known for co-founding the notOK App, a digital “panic button” designed to help people quickly reach out for support during moments of emotional distress. She created the app as a teenager after experiencing her own struggles with chronic illness and depression, and her work has since made her a prominent voice in youth mental-health advocacy.

Lucas grew up in the Atlanta area and was a competitive gymnast before being diagnosed at age 15 with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, a condition that can cause dizziness and fainting. The illness dramatically changed her daily life and contributed to severe anxiety and depression. During a particularly difficult period, Lucas wished there were an easy way to signal to loved ones that she needed help. That moment inspired the concept for notOK, which she built with her younger brother, Charlie. Released in 2018, the app allows users to press a single button that sends a message and GPS location to trusted contacts saying they are “not OK” and need support.

The app quickly gained traction among teens and mental-health organizations. It has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of users and is designed to reduce the stigma around asking for help during mental-health crises. Beyond developing the technology, Lucas became a public advocate for youth mental health, speaking at conferences and working with organizations focused on suicide prevention and emotional wellbeing. She has served on advisory initiatives such as the American Association of Suicidology’s youth programs and participated in youth policy efforts, including the Biden-Harris Youth Transition Team.

Today, Lucas continues to build on the impact of notOK while working as a speaker and advocate for mental-health awareness, particularly among young people. She frequently shares her story at schools, conferences, and global forums to encourage open conversations about depression and seeking help. Through these efforts—and through the continued reach of the notOK platform—Lucas remains part of a new generation of entrepreneurs using technology and lived experience to expand access to mental-health support.