What is Hope Squad?
The statistics on suicide among teens and young adults show that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among this age group. Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that many schools around the country implement to reduce youth suicide.
Northwest High School has 20 students in Hope Squad who were nominated by their peers, as good listeners who are trustworthy and care about others. They are trained by advisors to know how to identify peers who are at risk of suicide and depression and provide a listening ear, support, and connection to a trusted adult.
In addition to the goal of reducing youth suicide, Hope Squad aims to raise mental health awareness and promote a positive message of hope in our school.
To learn more about Hope Squad, check out the official website at https://hopesquad.com/
Who is part of Hope Squad?
Hope Squad Advisors:
Amber Granville
American Sign Language Teacher
Sheryl Stenger
School & Mental Health Counselor
[email protected]
What does Hope Squad do?
Hope Squad’s primary goal is to reduce youth suicide by providing support to peers who may be struggling with depressive symptoms or suicidal ideation. In addition to this goal, Hope Squad also holds and promotes several events throughout the year to promote hope and mental health awareness.
Hope Week: A week dedicated to promoting hope and support at school. Each day of the week includes a themed spirit day, along with encouraging acts of service that the Hope Squad members host.
Wellness Room: Once or twice a semester, Hope Squad will help host a Wellness Room, where students can go to learn self-care and stress management strategies.
Mental Health Resources
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Calling or texting 988 connects you to a trained crisis counselor.
Children’s Hospital Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC): 513-636-4124
University of Cincinnati’s Psychiatric Emergency/Mobile Crisis: 513-584-8577
Best Point Pediatric Urgent Care: 513-527-3040
Teen Health & Wellness provides a list of hotlines to receive help for specific mental health disorders and other issues.