Hope Squad, a peer-driven mental health awareness and support program based in Provo, Utah, is now meeting weekly on the campus of Brigham Young University–Hawaii. Elder Greg Hudnall, founder of Hope Squad and current service missionary at BYU–Hawaii, said the establishment represents a significant advancement in promoting mental health awareness among a diverse student body. The initiative aims to systematically reduce the stigma associated with mental illness on campus, one student at a time.
The program invites students to learn how to recognize when their peers are in distress and provide meaningful support. Participants receive training in identifying suicide warning signs, practicing self-care, establishing healthy boundaries, and helping those who may be struggling. The initiative comes amid a difficult time for the BYU–Hawaii community, which has experienced two student suicides in recent years. Hope Squad is a response to those losses and aims to build a culture where students feel safer, more connected, and more comfortable seeking help.
Nicole Milla, a senior from Guatemala majoring in biology, found that learning how to spot warning signs of suicidal behavior has carried over into her friendships. “I’ve been able to use the things we’ve learned in Hope Squad in my everyday life,” she said. Sophia Valles, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in psychology, noted: “Before, I thought I knew how to comfort people, but now my knowledge has been broadened, because now I know the proper ways to help a friend in need.”
James Faustino, dean of students, called Hope Squad “a vital step forward for our campus” and said the university is committed to ensuring every student feels they matter and has someone they can turn to. The program meets every Wednesday at 4 pm in the Stake Center Cultural Hall. Students interested in joining can attend any week.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://news.byuh.edu/campus-community/hope-squad-launches-at-byu-hawaii-to-strengthen-peer-mental-health-support