Hope Squad member Jadyn Kim goes over suicide statistics in the U.S.
Throughout September, Irvine Unified School District (IUSD) high schools recognized Suicide Prevention Month with events led by “Hope Squads” and counseling departments.
At Portola High School, students visited the counseling office for mental health resources, grounding and coping tools, and opportunities to write encouraging messages for their peers.
University High School’s newly relaunched Hope Squad presented lessons on recognizing warning signs, supporting someone who may be struggling, and reducing the stigma around conversations about suicide. Students also created fidgets as a stress-relief activity.
Northwood High School distributed about 200 suicide prevention goodie bags on Sept. 10. The bags included mental health resources, encouraging messages, and materials featuring semicolons — a symbol used by some suicide prevention communities to represent the continuation of life. The event also helped students connect with Hope Squad members who provide peer support.
Woodbridge High School focused on connection through a lunchtime “Wall of Hope,” where students shared what gives them hope. The school also hosted a parent presentation on supporting students experiencing academic pressure and held open houses at its WellSpace, The Oasis.
At Irvine High School, Hope Squad members led a “Vibe & Thrive” activity featuring the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. Students created sensory coping kits and learned ways to manage stress. The school also hosted a mental health and suicide prevention resource fair, connecting students with campus and community support.
Anyone experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
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