Nearly 150 students from about 10 local middle and high schools gathered last Friday at Lehighton Area High School for a workshop on mental health and suicide prevention. This event is part of a statewide initiative aimed at training young people to recognize when their peers need help.
The workshop was hosted by Aevidum, a nonprofit organization with nearly 300 clubs across Pennsylvania. Aevidum was founded in 2003 after a tragic loss when a student at Cocalico High School died by suicide. Its mission is clear: empower students to support their peers.
During the workshop, participants engaged in the Talk Workshop, which is Aevidum’s signature program. “We are youth-driven,” said Mary Pritchard, Aevidum’s director of outreach. She emphasizes that students often are the first to notice when someone is struggling. “We give them the tools to recognize signs of distress and guide their friends to the help they need,” she added.
The day began with videos and an overview of Aevidum’s mission, followed by small group discussions led by trained student leaders from local Aevidum chapters. These groups focused on why mental health conversations are essential and how students can make a difference in their schools.
The program is grounded in four core values: acceptance, acknowledgment, appreciation, and caring for others. Developed in collaboration with Dr. Matt Wintersteen from Thomas Jefferson University, these values help students create campaigns tailored to their schools. “These campaigns can include anything from creating posters to distributing tokens of appreciation,” Pritchard explained.
Aevidum views its approach as a tier-one strategy for suicide prevention. It’s about fostering connections before crises arise. Pritchard noted that the urgency of such programs has increased significantly since the pandemic. “Over the past few years, anxiety and depression rates among students have surged due to isolation,” she said. “We’re trying to rebuild those connections.”
One student leader, Patrick Devitt, shared his experience. He initially joined Aevidum feeling uncertain but quickly found a nurturing community. “I was skeptical at first, but the sense of belonging I felt was incredible,” he said. Devitt also facilitated discussions, noting how these conversations encourage students to be vulnerable with one another. “Seeing others open up is truly inspiring,” he remarked.
Devitt believes being part of Aevidum has profoundly shaped his outlook. “It has allowed me to grow and helps others do the same,” he said. His advice to those struggling is simple yet powerful: “Reach out to a friend. You’re not weak for asking for help; it takes strength.”
The workshop concluded with an open microphone session, where students shared their thoughts and experiences, further highlighting the program’s significance. “These discussions show that students are eager to share their experiences,” Pritchard noted. “Many have personal experiences with mental health issues or have lost loved ones to suicide. This connection is vital.”
Ultimately, Pritchard hopes students walk away understanding one key message: “You’re not alone. It’s okay to admit when you’re not okay, and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it.”
Aevidum provides these workshops free of charge, relying on grants and sponsorships to sustain its efforts. According to recent data from the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-24, reinforcing the need for such preventive initiatives. Engaging students in meaningful conversations about mental health could make a significant difference.
In today’s world, where mental health challenges are more pronounced, organizations like Aevidum are essential. They help foster a supportive environment where students can thrive together, transforming their schools into healing communities.
