Suicide prevention group visits county high schools

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GREENFIELD — A Fort Wayne-based nonprofit organization is hosting seven convocations in three days in Hancock County high schools in an effort to encourage teens to reach out to a trusted adult with their struggles.

The “Get Schooled” tour, a one-hour interactive assembly featuring live music and a live poll of 10 questions related to mental health, substance abuse and suicide, will be shown to all students at the four public county high schools, said Amanda Hinkle, Hancock Health system of care coordinator. “Get Schooled” is an effort of RemedyLIVE, a nonprofit organization working since 2007 to have meaningful conversations with teens who visit their website and use their anonymous chat service.

“We believe that when teens are served in anonymity, and allowed to share their struggle, they can be encouraged to find help because they now know they’re not alone,” the RemedyLIVE website states.

On Monday, Mt. Vernon High School students saw the convocation, with a mix of inspirational video, music played by a DJ, and the poll and response activity. The nonprofit visits New Palestine and Eastern Hancock high schools today and Greenfield-Central High School on Wednesday.

During the convocations, the poll question and a live tally of students’ responses will be shown as a percentage on large screens on the stage, Hinkle said. Data gathered from the convocations will help the schools know in what areas the students struggle with the most and will be able to identify what areas need improvement in education and support, she said.

Hinkle said the convocations, which cost between $3,000 to $5,000 each, are funded through Healthy 365, an effort to increase the health of the entire community through holistic efforts, including providing healthy choices, promoting workplace wellness and mental fitness.

She said she believes there is a building momentum in the county behind the cause of improving mental health and treating and preventing substance abuse disorder.

“The community is at a place that they are recognizing the need around mental health and substance use in our county and are ready to work together to make a change and have a positive impact on our youth,” Hinkle said.

RemedyLIVE founder and executive director Clinton Faupel led two free parent discussions from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Hancock County Public Library, and Tuesday at NineStar Connect, 2243 E. Main St.

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RemedyLIVE suicide prevention parent discussion

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday

NineStar Connect, 2243 E. Main St., Greenfield. 

RemedyLIVE founder and executive director Clinton Faupel will speak about his nonprofit organization and how to get teens to open up to a trusted adult about their struggles. 

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