SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sullivan 180 announced the launch of Hope Squads in the Eldred and Fallsburg Central School Districts to help expand peer-based mental health support.

Hope Squad is described as an “evidence-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program designed to build a culture of connection, empathy and help-seeking among youth.”

Students are nominated by their peers to serve as members and receive specialized training from trusted school advisors. These students work to identify struggling peers, promote kindness and connect classmates to the help they need.

“Hope Squad allowed me to connect, understand and help people on a deeper level,” said a Fallsburg member.

The launch of Hope Squads in Eldred and Fallsburg is part of a three-year pilot program supported by the New York State Office of Mental Health and led by Sullivan 180’s youth mental health program manager. The program is active at the middle and high school levels.

“It has been inspiring to see how much effort both staff and students are putting into the implementation of this program,” said Mylene Ortiz, youth mental health program manager at Sullivan 180. “I truly believe these students will have a huge impact on their school communities, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for the future.”

Hope Squad members also participate in events such as National Night Out and the Out of the Darkness Walk sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

To learn more about Hope Squad and SHAPE, email Mylene@sullivan180.org.