MS SR39

Recognizes 14 middle and high school Hope Squads across Jackson County's four school districts (Jackson County, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, and Pascagoula-Gautier) for promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention among students.

Acknowledges the 203 student members and 14 school advisors trained in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), a nationally recognized suicide prevention method, who were nominated by peers for their inclusive and trustworthy reputations.

Commends the Singing River Health System Foundation and community partners (Chevron, Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mississippi Power, Merchants & Marine Bank, and Navigator Credit Union) for funding and supporting the Hope Squad program initiated in 2023.

Highlights the peer-to-peer approach used by Hope Squads to conduct school-wide mental health activities including Hope 'Grams, Hope Chains, Hope Trees, and Cultivating Calmness events.

Directs that the resolution be presented to Singing River Health System Foundation Executive Director Laura Sessum and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.