Yellow Ribbon’s Capitol Idea
Laura (RiverBend) Originally published May 2004March 30th, 2004: Students from RiverBend Academy headed towards Minnesota’s State Capitol with the standard trip slips in hand for a special day of awareness for suicide prevention and mental health accessibility.
Buses left many of Mankato’s surrounding high schools at 7 a.m. to join other schools from all over Minnesota.
RBA students were excited to be a part of making a difference and helping others. As most would say, the trip opened their eyes to the seriousness of this issue and to how awareness can be a big first step. The day at the Capitol included an initial informational meeting followed by meetings with Sen. Hottinger and Rep. Dorn. The importance of suicide prevention and its funding were a major part of the discussions as was seen in the 3,000 letters delivered to Gov. Pawlenty and the attendance of nearly 200 students from around the state. South-central Minnesota remains the organization’s strongest region being based in Mankato and having 150 of the 200 students from Mankato, Mapleton, and Winthrop.
The day was concluded with a press conference in the Capitol rotunda and group pictures on the Capitol steps. The message was clear that “it’s O.K. to ask for help and Yellow Ribbon is a place you can get it.”
24-Hour Toll-Free Crisis Line:
- +1 800-865-0606 — South-Central MN
- +1 800-SUICIDE — National [U.S.] crisis line