SLHS Mental and Social Health students create yellow ribbons for Suicide Prevention Month
San Luis High School Mental and Social Health students created 300 yellow ribbons for all staff members and students to wear during the month of September, which is known nationally as Suicide Prevention Month.
As part of a class assignment, Alejandro Navarro, a senior at SLHS, came up with the idea to have students of the Social and Mental Health class make and wear yellow ribbons, but the idea grew into including everyone on campus.
“It made me feel proud and amazed to pass by their classrooms and see them wearing the ribbon,” Navarro said. “Friends, workers, teachers, and members of our school asked me very often, what was the meaning of the yellow ribbon. This project made me realize that together we can spread awareness and when coming together as a community in our school we can create so many amazing things.”
Yellow ribbons are an emblem for suicide prevention awareness, particularly for young people, and are used for suicide prevention awareness in several countries including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“I see it as great importance to educate my students about suicide. Unfortunately, suicide is considered a major public concern,” SLHS Mental and Social Health Teacher Yadery Ramirez said. “Based on recent mortality data, suicide in some populations is on the rise, therefore I do not think talking about suicide should be considered a taboo when individuals, including children and adolescents, are considering ending their life by suicide.”
Mental and Social Health is part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in Yuma Union High School District. It is currently offered at SLHS and Vista High School, and prepares students for entry-level employment, further training, and/or post-secondary education for occupations, including Behavioral Health Aide, Mental Health Aide, Behavioral Health Technician, and Mental Health Assistant.