Sullivan 180 Leaders Selected to Attend National Hope Squad Conference
[LIBERTY, NY] Sullivan 180's Youth Mental Health Program Manager, Mylene Ortiz, and Director of Health & Wellness, Meaghan Mullally-Gorr, recently attended the Hope Squad Ambassador and Master Trainer Conference in Provo, Utah. The invitation-only event brought together Hope Squad leaders from across the United States to collaborate on the future of the nationally recognized peer-to-peer suicide prevention program.
Ortiz and Mullally-Gorr were among a select group of professionals invited by Hope Squad leadership to help guide the next chapter of the program's development and expansion. The conference provided an opportunity for participants to engage in advanced training, strategic planning, and collaborative discussions focused on strengthening youth mental health support systems and enhancing Hope Squad's impact in schools nationwide.
Hope Squad is a school-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that trains and empowers students to recognize signs of distress in their peers, offer support, and connect them to trusted adults. The program promotes a culture of hope, kindness, inclusion, and help-seeking while strengthening mental health awareness throughout the school community.
"Being selected to participate in these conversations reflects the strength of the work happening in Sullivan County," said Mylene Ortiz. "It was an incredible opportunity to learn from leaders across the country, contribute our local experiences, and bring back new ideas that will help strengthen support for students in our schools."
Throughout the conference, attendees shared successful implementation strategies, explored emerging best practices in peer-to-peer suicide prevention, and discussed opportunities to empower students further to recognize warning signs, connect peers with trusted adults, and foster cultures of belonging within their school communities.
Sullivan 180 currently supports Hope Squad implementation through a three-year pilot with the NYS Office of Mental Health, helping schools build sustainable systems that promote mental wellness, suicide prevention, and student connectedness. Sullivan 180 has worked closely with school administrators, advisors, and student leaders to establish Hope Squads that empower young people to support one another and create positive school climates.
The knowledge, resources, and connections gained through the conference will help Sullivan 180 continue to expand and strengthen youth mental health initiatives throughout Sullivan County.
To learn more or for schools interested in fostering student mental health and peer support through Hope Squad, contact Mylene Ortiz at Mylene@Sullivan180.org.