
M.A.D. ~ H.O.P.E.
Making A Difference – Helping Other People Everywhere
Youth suicide preventioN
Concerned now?
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.8255 (TALK)
Crisis Text Line: 741-741
Our Mission:
To eliminate suicides.
Our mission is to eliminate youth suicide by empowering school communities with opportunities for interpersonal connectedness, accurate information about youth suicide and practical tools designed to prevent it.
We provide young individuals with the courage and knowledge to address youth depression and suicide in our community. The training aims to reduce stigma, shatter myths, and empower individuals to support those dealing with suicidal ideation in our community.
Workshop participants will learn tools to identify warning signs, communicate with compassion, and learn how to connect youth with support and resources.
M.A.D. H.O.P.E. is a collaborative program that includes the Whatcom County Health Department, Bellingham Public School District, the Whatcom Family and Community Network and the Whatcom Prevention Coalition, and is aimed at offering hope through positive action.
A Trusted Adult in the life of a young person can be a powerful protective factor. We encourage students to identify who the Trusted Adults are in their life and to connect with them for support. Click on the button above to learn more!
What we do:
The M.A.D. – H.O.P.E. Youth Suicide Prevention Training is a 1.5 hour training designed by youth and our caring community. Based on current suicide prevention research, our training aims to open up the conversation about suicide, help combat stigma surrounding mental illnesses and suicide, and help others learn how to identify and intervene with a loved one. Our primary goals are listed below:
Primary Goals:
Virtual Training
Please note that we moved to virtual training sessions for the 2020-2021 school year. Please check with us for a return to in-person trainings!
No Shame
Reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide.
Learn
Connect
Share
Alec & Daylin – One Conversation Saved My Life
Calm Ap – Breath Bubble Exercise
Dreamcatcher – Suicide Prevention PSA
M.A.D.-H.O.P.E. Team Members

Jeff McKenna
Prevention Interventionist - Bellingham High School
he/him/his
Jeff has been a Prevention and Intervention Specialist with Bellingham High School and recently retired after working with the School District for over 30 years. He was also a leader on the Mobile Response Team He helped develop the M.A.D. – H.O.P.E. curriculum in 2012, when it was first being created and has been involved ever since. Jeff was recognized for his leadership, heart and contributions to the community with the Legacy Builder Award at the 2020 Community Builders Awards.

Danielle Humphreys,
Youth Suicide Prevention and Wellness Specialist
she/her/hers
Contact: madhope@wfcn.org

Alexandria Scott
she/her/hers

Jackie Posner
CONNECTED Youth Mental Well-Being Coordinator
she/her/hers

Jazmin Carpenter
National Youth Influencer
she/her/hers
Quotes from Students
The names and faces attached to the stories have been changed to protect privacy, but the experiences are recent, real, and full of hope.


Lynden High School Student

Sehome High School Student

Lynden High School Student
Our Resources*
Mental Health Resources
Quick Intervention Guide
M.A.D. ~ H.O.P.E. Packet
M.A.D. ~ H.O.P.E. Powerpoint

Learn. Connect. Share
Disclaimer: We are not a crisis response center and are not equipped to respond to crisis. We focus on prevention and do not check messages 24/7. If you or someone you know is in crisis please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1.800.273.8255 (TALK)

Oliver Trulock

M.A.D. ~ H.O.P.E.
making a difference – helping other people everywhere