Grand Canyon Times

As National Suicide Prevention Month begins, the Mariposa Youth Council, coordinated by Mariposa Community Health Center in Nogales, Arizona, is making notable strides in supporting mental health and well-being within Arizona communities. These initiatives are part of the Adolescent Health Team’s broader mission.

“Love Bombs”: A Heartfelt Project

Last year, the Youth Council launched the Love Bombs Project. These care packages included small treats like candy, chocolate, or cookies paired with kind messages crafted by the young people from the Youth Council. The project's goal 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” aimed 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 gatherings. Their efforts spread hope and support to youth, young adults, and older adults across Santa Cruz County.

Promoting Awareness and Community Support

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

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

Looking Ahead: Future Plans

Looking forward, the Youth Council is exploring new ways to continue their advocacy. One proposed idea is the Mental Health Olympics—an event combining mental health awareness with physical activities to emphasize physical health's role in overall well-being. Other potential plans include installing signs in busy community areas to raise awareness about suicide prevention and seeking mental health support.

The Youth Council’s dedication to mental health and suicide prevention demonstrates their commitment to promoting overall well-being. Their initiatives provide support and resources while fostering a stronger community connection. As National Suicide Prevention Month continues, these efforts deserve recognition and continued support for mental well-being in our communities.

For more information about the Youth Council's projects, contact Mariposa Community Health Center or Jess Lopez at [email protected].

Together, we can make a difference!