LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — More than 100 students from Allen, Auglaize and Hardin counties came together this afternoon for “Voices for Prevention” Day.
“Positive Peer Advocates” from 20 schools gathered to learn about suicide prevention and how to promote positive mental health among their peers. The program is a student-led effort that encourages kindness, inclusion and awareness about mental health. Peer advocates heard from guest speakers and collaborated in small groups. Organizers said their goal is to end the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health.
“We’re trying to break the stigma that it’s taboo to talk about mental health. That’s our focus — to let people know that it’s okay and to include everybody. Just small acts of kindness can make somebody’s day a little better,” said Crysti Rode, Positive Peer Advisor with PASS.
“We definitely want them to learn more about leadership and how to be that leader in their school and community,” said Hope Burchett, Positive Peer Facilitator with PASS. “We have speakers talking about mental health awareness and suicide prevention, brushing up on those skills, taking that knowledge back to their schools and knowing what to look for in their peers — being the person who can speak up for them.”
“We’ve had a couple of speakers talking about the importance of mental health and finding your purpose and your place, and making sure everyone is included,” said Brady Miller, a junior at Delphos Jefferson High School.
“I have some friends who have been struggling recently. We had a tragedy at our school last year, so during that time, we were really needed throughout our community and school. That really impacted us a lot, and there were a bunch of people who said they needed help,” said Paige Schwinnen, a sophomore at Delphos Jefferson High School.
For more information about the Positive Peer Advocate program, visit passaah.org.
