Suicide Prevention Program Implemented in Schools Across the Region with Funding from North Central Accountable Community of Health

East Wenatchee, WA., The Governing Board of North Central Accountable Community of Health (NCACH) allocated $456,736 in April 2021 to address youth mental health, resiliency, and suicide prevention across Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties. Hope Squad, a researched-backed approach to reducing youth suicide, became the primary beneficiary of funding distribution. Local youth services organization, Together for Youth, and Dr. Julie Rickard, founder of Suicide Prevention Coalition of North Central Washington, worked together to bring on a coordinator and an AmeriCorps volunteer to implement the program across the region. Currently, 34 of the 48 eligible schools in the area are on track to adopt the program for the 2022-2023 school year.

The regional adoption of Hope Squad across schools in North Central Washington is the largest effort of its kind in the nation. To highlight these efforts, NCACH is working alongside key partners to produce a three-part documentary series on the initiative. With the goal of encouraging important conversations about mental health on a local level, this series showcases the positive impact of implementing Hope Squad in counties across the region. Part one of the series is now available on the NCACH YouTube channel.

With Central Washington Hospital seeing a sharp increase in emergency room visits related to self-harm, suicide, and suicide ideation in individuals under 18 in recent years, the launch of this program is vital to addressing mental health needs in the area. “This program is really a game changer for our region,” Dr. Rickard said, referencing the importance of long-term investments in our youth. “Having this program implemented in most schools in all four counties will allow students that move frequently to have the same experience, to be more readily accepted, and to be recognized earlier if they are struggling,” she continued.

For more information on this initiative, visit NCACH.org and for future updates on the Hope Squad docuseries, visit the NCACH Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube channel.

North Central Accountable Community of Health

Guided by the mission of advancing whole-person health and health equity in the region, North Central Accountable Community of Health (NCACH) works to unify stakeholders, support collaboration and drive systemic change. Headquartered in East Wenatchee, NCACH acts a resource to organizations and individuals located in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties who want to collaborate on ways to improve the mental, physical and social well-being of those who live in this region. For more information visit NCACH.org. Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program, is on track to be adopted in 34 schools across the region this fall, utilizing funds from North Central Accountable Community of Health. Together for Youth and AmeriCorps were brought on to assist with the rollout of the program. Morgan Eastman, Communications Manager 509-293-9337 or Morgan@ncach.org