Suicide has become the leading cause of death among ages 10-14 and the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24 according to the CDC. Though suicide is a leading cause of death among Americans, suicide is preventable. September is National Suicide Awareness month. 

Hope Squad, BC’s peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, put together a hope week this September with the goal of increasing awareness about suicide and methal health, spreading hope and growing the visibility of the group’s members. 

Hope week started off with painting the spirit rock with the words “United 4 Hope.” This was done on Thursday in preparation for the annual Hope Game. In the past, the Hope Game was a home game where BC took on Marquette, but this year’s game was up against Hamilton High School. The Hope game’s theme was white and black to show solidarity with Hope Squad’s mission, ending the stigma around mental health and preventing suicide. 

Numerous generous students, parents, and members of the community donated to help Hope Squad’s Mission, some sharing their stories of coping with the loss of loved ones due to suicide. Many people came up to the hope squad tables, that were set up near the front entrance to the football field and underneath the concession stand, thanking the members for what they do. Hope Squad members handed out life savers and resource cards with websites and numbers to contact if they or someone they know is struggling. At the end of the night, Hope Squad raised $364 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Hope Squad efforts.

Bright and early Monday morning, Hope squad members were at all of BC’s entrances handing out lifesavers, welcoming and greeting students as they entered. Many students were smiling after being greeted by their peers.

Hope Week was a great way to start off the year, showing that BC is there for its peers and friends. The dedication of Hope Squad members and the Hope Squad advisors toward ending the stigma around mental health and preventing suicide is clearly seen through their hard work to make Hope Week a success. BC is very fortunate to have a great student services team that is there for all students. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the BC student services team, they are a great resource for everyone in the BC community.