Students at Aquinas High School are spreading a message around their school, and to the population: You Matter.
On Thursday, the Mental Health Coalition of La Crosse distributed silicone wristbands with the slogan “You Matter” to students at the Aquinas cafeteria, along with serving root beer floats. The green and white bands include the number #988, which can be called in case of emergency. “The 9-8-8, you can call, you can text, or you can chat that number, and that will connect you 24/7 to mental health supports,” says Diana Diaz Granados, a wellbeing director with the Mental Health Coalition of Greater La Crosse.
Aquinas development director Mike Desmond says many students there have been contacting the health coalition, to obtain their services. Desmond says this school year, Aquinas has had 44 or 45 kids using the mental health services that we provide.”
Aquinas development director Mike Desmond models a You Matter wristband.
The wristbands also feature the initials JWJJ, symbolizing the Joe Was Just Joe Foundation, established by Dave Clements and his family to offer suicide prevention in honor of their son Joe, who committed suicide nearly 20 years ago.
La Crosse Police Chief Shawn Kudron also attended the Aquinas event, to promote the You Matter wristband program.