Lexington, Kentucky, October 25, 2025
Nearly 300 students from 12 Kentucky schools convened at the Sources of Strength Peer Leader Summit, focusing on peer-led mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. The event emphasized resilience and community through activities aimed at promoting hope and support. By fostering a culture of openness, the program has shown effective results, including a notable reduction in suicide attempts, underscoring its significance in the realm of student well-being.
Lexington, Kentucky – October 24, 2025
Sources of Strength Peer Leader Summit Empowers Students in Suicide Prevention Efforts
On October 24, 2025, nearly 300 middle and high school students from 12 Kentucky schools gathered at Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s Leestown Campus in Lexington for the second annual Sources of Strength Peer Leader Summit. This event aimed to empower students to support their peers in mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
Student Leaders Engage in Peer-Led Mental Health Initiatives
The summit focused on the Sources of Strength program, a peer-led initiative designed to build resilience and a sense of belonging among students. Activities included team-building exercises, discussions, and campaign planning centered around promoting hope, help, and strength within school communities. The program has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing suicide, bullying, and substance misuse.
Collaboration Between Educational and Behavioral Health Departments
The event was a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Department of Education’s Division of Student Success and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities’ Division of Substance Use Disorder, Prevention and Promotion Branch. This partnership underscores the state’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges among students through comprehensive, peer-driven approaches.
Background on Sources of Strength Program
Sources of Strength is a Nationwide program implemented in approximately 150 schools across Kentucky. It engages students in promoting mental health awareness and connecting peers to resources and support systems. By fostering a culture of openness and support, the program aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage students to seek help when needed.
Impact on Student Well-being
The initiative has shown promising results, including a 29% reduction in first-time suicide attempts among students whose schools have implemented the Sources of Strength program. This statistic highlights the program’s potential in fostering safer and more supportive school environments.
Future Outlook
The success of the Sources of Strength Peer Leader Summit in Lexington reflects a growing recognition of the importance of peer-led mental health initiatives in Kentucky. Continued collaboration between educational institutions and behavioral health departments is essential to sustain and expand these efforts, ensuring that students have the support and resources they need to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sources of Strength Peer Leader Summit?
The Sources of Strength Peer Leader Summit is an annual event that brings together middle and high school students from Kentucky to engage in peer-led mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. The summit includes team-building exercises, discussions, and campaign planning focused on promoting hope, help, and strength within school communities.
How many students attended the 2025 summit?
Nearly 300 middle and high school students from 12 Kentucky schools attended the second annual Sources of Strength Peer Leader Summit in Lexington on October 24, 2025.
What is the Sources of Strength program?
Sources of Strength is a peer-led initiative designed to build resilience and a sense of belonging among students. It engages students in promoting mental health awareness and connecting peers to resources and support systems, aiming to prevent suicide, bullying, and substance misuse.
Which organizations collaborated to host the summit?
The summit was a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Department of Education’s Division of Student Success and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities’ Division of Substance Use Disorder, Prevention and Promotion Branch.
How effective is the Sources of Strength program?
The program has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing suicide, bullying, and substance misuse. A national study showed a 29% reduction in first-time suicide attempts among students whose schools have implemented the Sources of Strength program.
Key Features of the Sources of Strength Peer Leader Summit
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Location | Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Leestown Campus, Lexington, Kentucky |
| Number of Attendees | Nearly 300 middle and high school students from 12 Kentucky schools |
| Program Focus | Peer-led mental health and suicide prevention initiatives |
| Collaborating Organizations | Kentucky Department of Education’s Division of Student Success and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities’ Division of Substance Use Disorder, Prevention and Promotion Branch |
| Program Effectiveness | Demonstrated effectiveness in preventing suicide, bullying, and substance misuse; 29% reduction in first-time suicide attempts among students whose schools have implemented the program |
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