The Bandana Project is a suicide prevention and mental health awareness movement that aims to provide students with resources for mental health support. The movement began on college campuses, but has recently begun to make its way to high schools. The Bandana Project is named after the lime-green bandanas that members wear on their backpacks. These members have pledged to support the mental health of their peers and are equipped with information about regional and national resources for mental health support.
Our Benton Chapter got started with help from students last year. A couple student leaders this fall then continued to help get the project launched in our school. Fifteen juniors and seniors are currently trained and equipped with a lime-green bandana and resources here at the MS/HS. By carrying a bandana, these students have identified themselves as someone who is safe to approach and ask for information about mental health resources. In addition to these students, many staff members are also involved in the project. These staff members can be identified by the “Staff Ally” signs on their doors (pictured above).
The Bandana Project is a great resource because it will help students at Benton access these mental health resources. It also identifies individuals who are safe people to talk to for mental health support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the national suicide prevention hotline at 988. If you need immediate help, call 9-1-1.