Local Hope Squads will team up with the Suicide Prevention of Cowley County Coalition and Merchants in Motion to host the Hope Squad Back to School Mental Health Fair from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Paris Park, 600 W. Fifth Ave.
The event, held during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, will feature local, regional and state organizations offering educational materials on mental health. Families can also enjoy games, a bouncy house, a dunk tank and free hot dogs served by the Optimist Club of Arkansas City.
Miss Kansas’ Teen, Bella Andra, will attend. The Maize High School graduate founded She Speaks, an outreach program aimed at preventing assault and empowering youth through her “Get Your NO Heard” self-defense workshops.
Hope Squad members said the fair underscores the importance of mental health, particularly for young people. “It brings the community closer together and strengthens us, reminding us that we can lean on one another,” said Alizabella Meile, an Arkansas City High School junior.
ACHS sophomore Chloe Cales added, “There are resources available and so many people who care. It can make a big difference for the community by spreading awareness and giving support.”
