The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention program is a community-based program whose goal is to reduce youth suicide by raising awareness and providing education on mental health. It encourages the youth to have open conversations and break the stigma of suicidal thoughts.
The Yellow Ribbon program’s goal is to help any individual struggling with mental health find the necessary resources. The program was started in Colo. by a group of teens when their friend, Mike Emme, took his own life in 1994. Family and friends wrote on bright yellow papers, “please don’t do this, please talk to someone,” with numbers listed to call for help. They passed them around at his funeral, hung them around the town, and mailed them across the United States. In three weeks, a girl in Montana received a slip and the help she needed – one life was saved.
Every year, a mentor from the program takes the child care class and prepares them to present in front of their peers. The goal of having fellow students educate their peers is an attempt to have people of the same age talking about a sensitive subject. The program allows the listeners to be comfortable asking questions about suicide when it is seen as someone their age opening up about this topic.
This year, like previous years, Corrina Holbrook, head of the child development and child care program, sent her students to present to sophomores. One of her new students, Amaya Frost, particularly enjoyed presenting.
“It was amazing to see how each student was actively listening and wanting to participate,” Frost said.
Students who presented prepared a week in advance, allowing time to practice with their groups and in front of the class. By equipping students with knowledge and tools to address suicide, they can play a major role in encouraging a supportive community that prioritizes mental health for the youth. Child care student Emily Hougue appreciates what this program represents.
“Talking openly about suicide can be the first step to removing the stigma,” Hougue said.
After the presentations were over, the students met with their mentor, Candace Bullard, to update her on the feedback and receptiveness shown. Bullard is a Student Mental Health Adviser at Tracy High. The students eventually got the hang of presenting in front of classes and showed a great example of what to do if you or a loved one is struggling with mental health.
“We’ve had many great years of presentations, and this just adds another one. I’m excited to see what influence each one of you has created,” said Bullard.
