Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that works to reduce suicide through public awareness and education. The goal of Hope Squad is to destigmatize mental health issues so young people will ask for help in times of need, according to the organization.
“Some of the most important protective factors in youth suicide prevention are being part of a caring community and having adults in their lives who are willing to have tough conversations,” said Jessica Stickel, Fairmont Hope Squad instructor.
The Fairmont booth will have shirts for sale, 50/50 raffle tickets and an activity to gauge how much you know about mental health.
At the event, Fairmont and Springboro fans will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite of three mental health nonprofits: The GEM Project, NAMI of Montgomery County or 4 Paws for Ability. Proceeds will be donated to the organization that receives the most votes in an online poll. Raffle ticket sales will end at about 7:45 p.m. and the winner will be announced at halftime.
“This is the second Take Hope to the Hoop I’ve been a part of and that we have hosted. The progress of planning this event is such a great thing to be a part of,” said senior Emily Switzer. “Last year, Hope Squad raised over $400 for Jay’s Light. Hope Squad’s goal is to donate $500 for a deserving mental health agency this year. We hope to bring our community closer through doing events like this.”
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