In the halls of Reagan High School in Milwaukee, blue and yellow Hope Squad T-shirts have become signals to the student body that 鈥渢hey don鈥檛 have to struggle alone鈥 with mental health, junior Caroline Hertig said.
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Hundreds attended the Hope Squad's annual Run for Hope in 2024 to walk or run to end suicide and the stigma against mental health treatment. Hope Squad member Araceli Hernandez said it was inspiring to see so many people wearing the shirts. They bought 200 T-shirts and almost sold out of them.聽
SUZANNE MILEWSKI, REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL
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Hope Squad, a student-led suicide prevention program, helps feel students feel less alone. About 300 school districts across Wisconsin have peer-led mental wellness programs. Reagan High School's group has about 70 members. Here, the group is pictured in 2023.聽
SUZANNE MILEWSKI, REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL
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Reagan High School students hold up the suicide prevention line number made of Post-It notes containing supportive messages during the 2023 Run for Hope. Anyone can call聽or text 988 to receive free and anonymous mental health support.聽
SUZANNE MILEWSKI, REAGAN HIGH SCHOOL
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