September: National Suicide Prevention Month and Adolescent Health Initiatives 

As we enter National Suicide Prevention Month, we want to highlight the remarkable efforts of the Mariposa Youth Council, coordinated by our partners at Mariposa Community Health Center, in Nogales, Arizona. Their ongoing initiatives are vital to the  Adolescent Health Team’s broader mission to support mental health and well-being in Arizona Communities.

“Love Bombs”: A Heartfelt Project

Last year, the Youth Council launched a compassionate project known as the Love Bombs Project. These thoughtful care packages included small treats like candy, chocolate, or cookies paired with kind messages crafted by the young people from the Youth Council. The goal of the project was to combat feelings of isolation and mental health stigma while offering community support and connecting individuals with local and national resources. Messages such as “You are not alone in this” and “You can talk to others about your feelings” were designed to destigmatize mental health support and foster a sense of community.

The Youth Council distributed “Love Bombs” at various events, including the local Luminarias Festival in October, multiple community health fairs, and other community gatherings. Their efforts made a significant impact by spreading hope and support to youth, young adults, and older adults from all over Santa Cruz County.

Promoting Awareness and Community Support

The Youth Council’s commitment to mental health awareness extends beyond the Love Bombs project. They actively participated in “TeenCon,” a community health fair collaboration that brought together community organizations, school clubs, and the Youth Council to address teen health topics. At TeenCon, Youth Council members distributed resource cards for behavioral health services and hosted discussions on suicide prevention, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and trauma-informed care.

Another notable initiative was their Holiday Event for the elders in their community. Youth Council members served meals, hot chocolate, and spent quality time conversing with older individuals at high risk of loneliness. This event highlighted the importance of intergenerational community care and emphasized the value of combating loneliness in vulnerable populations.

Looking Ahead: Future Plans

As they look to the future, the Youth Council is exploring exciting new ways to continue their mental health advocacy. One proposed idea is the Mental Health Olympics, an event that would combine mental health awareness with physical activities, emphasizing the role of physical health in overall well-being. Additionally, other potential plans include a installing signs in busy community areas to raise awareness about suicide prevention and the importance of seeking mental health support.

The Youth Council’s dedication to mental health and suicide prevention is a clear testament  to their passion and commitment to promoting mental and physical well-being. Their initiatives not only provide support and resources, but also foster a stronger, more connected community. As we observe National Suicide Prevention Month, let’s celebrate their efforts and continue to support mental well-being in our communities.

For more information about the Youth Council and their projects ,reach out to Mariposa Community Health Center or Jess Lopez, Je***********@**hs.gov.

Together, we can make a difference!