(Atlantic) Nearly 40 students from the CAM Community Schools and Griswold Community Schools Hope Squads gathered at Atlantic City Park today to “Chalk the Walk” ahead of tonight’s Suicide Awareness Walk.
Students spent the afternoon filling the sidewalks around the park with messages of hope, encouragement, kindness, and reminders that no one has to face difficult times alone. The messages will be on display throughout the day as a reminder to the community of the importance of supporting one another.
The students participating are members of their schools’ Hope Squads, a peer-based suicide prevention program that empowers students to recognize when a peer may be struggling, offer support, and connect them with trusted adults and resources. Hope Squad helps create a culture where students feel comfortable talking about mental health and understand the importance of reaching out when they or someone they know needs help.
The students were supported during today’s event by the Thriving Families Alliance, which helped provide meals for the participating students. The Atlantic Police Community Charitable Organization also generously paid for the students’ meals, allowing the group to come together and share a meal while participating in the afternoon’s suicide prevention activity.
Suicide Awareness Walk Tonight
The Suicide Awareness Walk will take place tonight at 7 p.m. at Atlantic City Park. The walk is being held in partnership with Senior Life Solutions, Cass Health, the Cass County Coalition for Mental Wellness, and Healthy Cass, along with several participating organizations and sponsors.
The walk brings community members together to remember those who have been lost to suicide, support survivors and loved ones who have been impacted, and raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. It is also an opportunity for the community to stand together and remind those who may be struggling that they are not alone and that support is available.
The participation of nearly 40 students from CAM and Griswold is a powerful example of young people taking an active role in suicide prevention. Through Hope Squad, students are learning how to recognize when someone may need help, how to start conversations, and how to connect their peers with the support they need.
Community members are encouraged to attend tonight’s walk and stand alongside local students, families, organizations, and community partners in raising awareness and supporting suicide prevention.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling or texting 988.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of suicide. You can also call or text 988 if you are concerned about a friend, family member, or someone you care about.
