Hope Squad

Helpline Center is partnering with the South Dakota Department of Health and South Dakota Schools to launch and support Hope Squads. For more information about Helpline Center's role as a Hope Squad Community Partner or to learn about how to launch a Hope Squad at your school contact hopesquad@helplinecenter.org.

 

What is Hope Squad? Hope Squad is a school-based peer support team that partners with local mental health agencies. Peers select students who are trustworthy and caring to join the Hope Squad.

 

How does Hope Squad work? Squad members are trained by advisors to watch for at-risk students, provide friendship, identify suicide warning signs, and seek help from adults. The program reduces the risk of youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. To learn more about the history and efficacy of Hope Squad programming visit hopesquad.com.

 

Helpline Center's current Hope Squad partner schools include:

Brookings High School Flandreau School District Gregory High School Hanson Middle School Harrisburg East Middle School Harrisburg North Middle School Harrisburg South Middle School Harrisburg Freshman Academy Harrisburg High School Langford High School Langford Middle School

Lead/Deadwood Middle School Plankinton Middle School O'Gorman High School Sioux Falls Jefferson High School Spearfish Middle School Timber Lake High School Timber Lake Middle School Wagner Middle School Wagner High School Watertown High School

 

School-Based Resources

Suicide prevention efforts in schools are typically led by school counselors, mental health professionals, or social workers. However, it is important to know that a comprehensive suicide prevention program includes education components for school administrators, faculty, staff, parents and students. This helps to create an entire school community that is prepared to assist someone at risk of suicide.