FLINT, Michigan — In a significant step toward addressing youth mental health,
Genesee Health System (GHS) and
Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) have launched the Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention training program aimed at empowering students to support one another. As mental health challenges among young people continue to rise, the initiative offers a proactive approach to creating a safer, more supportive environment within schools throughout Genesee County.
The Hope Squad initiative began with a two-day intensive training for school advisors, equipping them with the tools and strategies needed to guide students through the peer support process. These advisors will play a pivotal role as they are responsible for training the students who are selected to become Hope Squad members. These students will serve as ambassadors, working with their peers to identify and assist classmates who may be struggling with mental health issues.
Through this structure, the program seeks to foster a sense of trust and openness within the student body. Advisors teach participants not only how to recognize warning signs of suicide and mental distress but also how to approach their classmates with empathy while directing them to the appropriate mental health resources.
“We want to make sure that students understand the warning signs of suicide and feel confident in reporting those things to a teacher or counselor,” says Carrie Chanter, GHS Director of Prevention, Health & Wellness.
The program is rooted in a collaborative effort between GHS and GISD to address the critical need for mental health education and support in Genesee County. With suicide rates among young people increasing nationwide, there is an urgent need for preventative measures that begin early, especially in schools where students spend the majority of their time.
The Hope Squad's peer-to-peer structure is a key component, offering a unique method to reach those who may otherwise feel isolated.
“We are learning that there are a lot of things that kids don't tell their parents, don't tell teachers, and don't tell coaches, but they might say something on social media, or to a friend,” said Chanter. She adds, “A lot of times, friends will notice a behavior change before parents will because they're so connected at school all day long and on social media so to have kids trained to look for different behavior changes or things that kids say online, we are able to get early intervention.”
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Two students chat during Hope Squad training. (Courtesy photo | hopesquad.com)This initiative builds upon the county’s ongoing efforts to integrate mental health support systems into schools, with the goal of reducing suicide attempts, increasing mental health awareness, and meeting the needs of both students and staff. By normalizing conversations about mental health, Hope Squad helps break down barriers that might prevent students from seeking help.
Students involved in the program are trained in vital mental health topics such as recognizing signs of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. They are also coached on the importance of maintaining confidentiality and knowing when to report concerns to trusted adults.
The peer-to-peer model is designed to create a more accessible form of support, particularly for students who may be hesitant to approach school counselors or other authority figures. By empowering students to serve as first responders within their peer groups, the program aims to identify issues before they escalate.
“The training we provide our adolescents teaches them to pick up on the things we adults may not see or hear. We are training them on the warning signs of suicide and teaching them how to make referrals to the adults in the building when something seems wrong,” said Chanter. “We're not training them to be therapists. We're not training them to be counselors. We're just training them to say, hey, here's the things you got to look for. If you see it, you have to say something.”
The Hope Squad program in Genesee County is funded through the Genesee County Community Mental Health Millage funds which have been essential in expanding mental health resources throughout the region. These funds ensure that schools can implement programs like Hope Squad without placing additional financial burdens on school districts or families.
As the program rolls out across Genesee County schools, GHS and GISD are committed to ongoing evaluation and expansion. The long-term goal is to continue building on this model, reaching more schools, and empowering more students to serve as mental health ambassadors within their communities.
“This is just one of the many programs and initiatives bringing suicide prevention support to schools throughout the country, we’re hoping to build a future where students feel safe and supported,” said Chanter. “We’re committed to using this unique support model because it is evidence-based and helps students access the resources they may need quicker.”
The introduction of the Hope Squad comes at a time when mental health awareness is more critical than ever. As students face the complexities of school life alongside broader societal pressures, programs like this offer a lifeline.
By reducing the stigma associated with mental health challenges and fostering an environment of compassion and support, Hope Squad aims to create a school culture that promotes resilience and well-being.
For GHS and GISD, this partnership is a step toward addressing the mental health crisis among youth in Genesee County. Through the training of advisors and students, they hope to spark a countywide conversation on the importance of mental health and suicide prevention.
“Although the district is still in the beginning of the implementation phase of The Hope Squad, we’ve seen amazing things already,” said Chanter.
To learn more about The Hope Squad, visit: hopesquad.com or (801) 342-3444.