DuBois proclaims Feb. 12 'Day of Hope' to support student mental health efforts

DuBois City Council, at last week’s meeting, formally recognized local students’ efforts to promote mental health awareness by issuing a mayoral proclamation declaring Thursday (today) as “Day of Hope” in the City of DuBois.

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Mayor Barry Abbott presented the proclamation honoring the DuBois Area School District’s Hope Squad, a peer-nominated group of middle and high school students trained to support classmates who may be struggling emotionally. Members meet regularly with trained advisors to learn about mental health, recognize warning signs, and connect peers with resources and trusted adults.

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According to the proclamation, approximately 60 DASD students in grades 5 through 12 currently serve in the program, offering compassion, kindness, and support while helping reduce stigma around mental health conversations. City officials noted that Hope Squad members are helping change the culture surrounding mental health within both the school district and the wider community.

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The proclamation also highlighted the annual Day of Hope initiative, a national effort focused on empowering youth facing mental health challenges and encouraging open dialogue. Statistics cited in the document noted that in 2023, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and the third leading cause among people ages 15 to 24, with more than 1.6 million attempts reported nationwide.

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City leaders said the campaign provides a framework for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to participate in ways meaningful to them, all with the shared goal of promoting awareness and reducing youth suicide.

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In issuing the proclamation, Abbott and council encouraged residents to support Hope Squad members and their mission to make a lasting positive impact in the community by fostering understanding, compassion, and conversation around mental health.

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Originally published at https://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/dubois-proclaims-feb-12-day-of-hope-to-support-student-mental-health-efforts/article_6d9b966d-5212-4d81-8893-8b94cb24b5da.html