Build Hope: Walk For Awareness
Grace Brown
The Build Hope Walk For Awareness at Hamilton High School is raising money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, working to reduce the stigma and supporting mental health. During October 15, the walk will be hosted during student lunch hours and all staff and students have been invited to participate. Drinks and treats have been donated by Pepsi and Meijer and students are encouraged to wear green and walk together in solidarity.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a voluntary health organization advocating for the research and education around suicide. This year alone over 500,000 people used their suicide prevention progams and their activities for suicide prevention. About 98% of the people who attended AFSP Survivor Day events felt supported, connected, and hopeful. Through their programs, AFSP works to address the needs of communities and schools in topics related to prevention and support.
Funds raised during the Build Hope Walk help to support their prevention programs and fund their suicide research and additional programs.
Sponsors
Behind the scenes, there are many sponsors for the Build Hope Walk: HHS Peer Leaders, the Hamilton football team, and Mrs. Draeger’s advisement. Here are some of their quotes on why Build Hope Walk is important to them:
“The Peer Leaders are supporting/sponsoring the Mental Health Walk because it aligns with their mission to reduce the stigma around mental health, educate students, and serve as a resource for their peers. This event is an excellent opportunity to advance that mission while involving the whole school community. Not only does it support their goals, but it also helps build a healthier, more supportive school climate.” - Kristin Hasbrook (Peer Leaders)
“We support the BUILD HOPE walk for awareness because we think it is important to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. We understand and acknowledge mental health struggles are real and we want to support those going through it. We want people to know we are here to support them and walk hand in hand with them through those struggles. You can not go through tough times alone. Having someone to lean on and talk to is so important. We are here to listen. Who you surround yourself with is so important. We also want to advocate for treating people the right way and being first class with how we treat others, how we communicate on social media, and how we open our arms to all.” - Justin Gumm (Football Coach)
“After losing one of our own advisement kids last year, it really set in how we never really know what someone might be dealing with. I have been a firm believer in supporting one's own mental health and doing what we can to help for a long time; however, I also get the feeling that there are a lot of people who shy away from mental health practices because it can be seen as weakness. I wanted to support the HOPE Walk and fundraising efforts because no one should have to worry about asking for help, and no one should feel judged when they are dealing with personal struggles. The stigma around mental health, though getting better, is still there, so if raising awareness in our high school will allow students to feel like it is okay to ask for or seek help, then I am all for it.” - Misty Draeger (Advisement)
In addition to the walk itself, there are other details in place to make this event special. On Monday, October 13, the commemorative green shirts will be distributed to those who purchased them to wear on the day of the walk. On October 14, bracelets will be distributed to first block teachers. On the day of the walk, students can challenge each other to rock, paper, scissors competitions to win bracelets. These challenges will run all day outside of class time!
All in all the BUILD HOPE Walk is trying to break the stigma around mental health, push people to open up and raise awareness to the struggles people face in day to day activities. Attending the walk will show support and bring Hamilton students closer together. Please join the walk during lunch on October 15!
