Hampton-Dumont-CAL combined athletics with advocacy Thursday, hosting a “Kick the Stigma” event alongside a soccer doubleheader against Charles City.
Six organizations were on site, offering resources and conversations around mental health. Vendors included Achieve Mental Health of Iowa Falls, Gift of Giving: Wright Community Connections of Clarion, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Franklin County Public Health and Home Care Services, Prairie Ridge in Mason City, and the school’s own Hope Squad.
Organizer Machele Raska says events like this help highlight the mental health resources available in rural Iowa.
“That is one of the reasons why I keep talking, getting these resources out there, letting people know that they’re here and they’re willing to help,” Raska says. “We just have to keep talking about it, getting the people to say, you know, ‘hey, we do have the resources.’ You need to go talk to this person and that person. They’re there. We just have to keep that word going, that organizations (are) available. It’s just keeping the communication open so that people know, yes, we’re out in rural Iowa, but we do have the resources. And having them here and you guys can see them is another great resource. We’re right here in Franklin County.”
Nora Dunnwald, a student at Hampton-Dumont-CAL and member of the Hope Squad, tells RadioOnTheGo News the program empowers students to recognize warning signs in their peers.
“It is a peer-nominated organization and essentially sometimes it’s hard for kids to just go straight to adults when they’re struggling. So we are the connector. Whenever a kid is struggling, whether it be suicidal thoughts or just rough things are going on at home, they can come to us and we can connect them to a trusted adult that can get to the next level and get them some help.”
Another Hope Squad member, Reed Masters, says events like Kick the Stigma help bring everyone together around mental health awareness.
“I see it as more of a community event and especially outside of our school and parents and everybody. They can gather together and really appreciate the students and bring awareness to something. Like, sports, Kick the Stigma, as it is called. And it brings awareness to mental health. And I think it’s a great way to get the community together and basically (bring) togetherness.”
Green “Kick the Stigma” shirts filled the stands and sidelines throughout the evening, featuring a semicolon symbol on the back—representing hope and suicide prevention.
With Hope Squad, 95% of students report knowing how and where to get help for their peers. To learn more about the Hope Squad program, you can visit hopesquad.com.
Photo: Students (left to right) Reed Masters, Nora Dunnwald, Catelena Hernandez Gomez and Autumn Janssen stand in front of the “I Am Thankful For” display at the high school. Over 120 messages were left on the display, leaving messages of gratitude and thankfulness.
Interviews below
Machele Raska
Students Nora Dunnwald, Autumn Janssen and Reed Masters
