The problem we want to solve is the heartbreaking rise in suicides among young people. Too many middle and high school students are struggling in silence, feeling isolated, unheard, and unsure of where to turn for help. Suicide isn’t just a statistic, it’s a devastating reality that has taken the lives of classmates, friends, and loved ones.

We’ve seen this crisis unfold in different ways. Anthony became aware of it after learning about the rising number of middle school students lost to suicide, a realization reinforced through discussions with Miss Vanessa. Xiomara discovered the severity of the issue when she joined a group of teens determined to make a difference again and again, the topic of suicide came up, as many knew someone who had attempted or lost their life. The reality hit even closer to home when a student from her school took their own life, someone her brother knew, someone who had no friends, someone who suffered in silence. Lia’s experience is deeply personal. She lost her cousin to suicide, someone she loved dearly, someone who was kind and full of heart. The pain of that loss is something she never wants to experience again, and she doesn’t want any other family to suffer the same heartbreak.

This issue matters because every life matters. No one should feel so alone that they believe suicide is the only way out. Through our project, KNOW Suicide (Know what suicide is, kNOw Suicide), we are committed to breaking the silence, educating our peers, and staff members, and ensuring that every student knows they are not alone. We want to create a world where no one feels forgotten, where help is always within reach, and where young people have the support and knowledge they need to choose life.

Our idea is to create a school-wide movement to raise awareness about suicide, educate students and staff on prevention, and provide accessible support systems. We want to foster an environment where no one feels alone, where students know where to turn for help, and where mental health is prioritized just as much as physical health.

Our Plan

1. School-Wide Awareness Campaigns

   • Suicide Prevention Week/Month: We will host a school-wide event in September, National Suicide Prevention Month, with guest speakers, and discussions.
   • Color Day for Awareness: Students and staff will wear yellow, the color for suicide prevention for solidarity and to start important conversations.

2. Educational Initiatives and Classroom Discussions

   • We will introduce classroom discussions and short video presentations about suicide prevention, the importance of mental health, and how students can help themselves or a friend.
   • We want teachers to be given resources to help guide open conversations about mental health in a safe and supportive way.

3. Peer Support and Mental Health Initiatives

   • Peer Support Groups: We will establish a safe space where trained peer listeners can offer support to students struggling with mental health challenges.
   • "You Are Not Alone" Initiative: Anonymous notes of encouragement will be placed throughout the school to remind students that they are supported and never alone.

4. Staff and Student Training

   • Mental Health First Aid Training: Teachers and student leaders will receive training to recognize the warning signs of suicide and provide initial support before connecting individuals to professional help.
   • Professional Development for Staff: School staff will be offered specialized training sessions to help them identify at-risk students and understand the best ways to guide them toward available resources.

5. Resource Accessibility and Community Partnerships

   • Crisis Hotline Information Everywhere: Suicide prevention hotline numbers and emergency resources around the school, and on student IDs to ensure immediate access to help.
   • Community Collaborations: We will partner with local therapists, crisis centers, and nonprofits to bring in experts to provide workshops, support sessions, and direct assistance to students in need.

6. Workshops, Meetings, and Community Involvement

   • We want to explore collaborations with local police, therapists, and suicide prevention organizations to offer workshops, guest speakers, and additional resources for students and staff.

We hope to create a culture of openness, education, and prevention within our schools by taking these steps. Through KNOW Suicide (Know what suicide is, say kNOw to Suicide), we are committed to ensuring that every student, teacher, and staff member knows that help is available, that their feelings matter, and that they are never alone.

Suicide is a growing crisis among young people, and we aim to take action. Too many students struggle in silence, unaware of the resources available to help them. Our goal is to create a movement that raises awareness, educates students and staff, and fosters an environment where no one feels alone.

Our Team and Contributions

Our team includes:

• Anthony

• Xiomara

• Lia

• Valeria

• Andres

• Eliel

• Miss Vanessa (Provides guidance and support)

Engaging the School Community

To involve those outside our team, we will:

• Spread Awareness: Posters, announcements, and social media campaigns.

• Host Events: Suicide Prevention Week, Color Day, and interactive activities.

• Encourage Peer Support: Groups, anonymous encouragement notes, and mentorship programs.

• Provide Training: Mental Health First Aid for students and staff.

• Expand Resources: Hotline visibility, local partnerships, and more school counselors.

By making suicide prevention a visible, ongoing effort, we hope to create lasting change and ensure that no one suffers in silence.