BOISE, Idaho — The Boise State Broncos are not just working on their game plans, they are also working with the community’s mental health.
The Boise State athletic department is partnering with six local high schools in a program called BroncoBOLD to help students build mental health support systems in their schools.
The high schools include Boise, Nampa, Meridian, Centennial, Owyhee and Bishop Kelly. The schools submitted applications to be one of the select few in the BroncoBOLD Ambassador Program.
In honor of National Suicide Prevention Week beginning on Sept. 8, the Treasure Valley high school students and Boise State student-athletes are creating mental health campaigns for all six of the high school campuses.
“I think getting a program to help other people have an outlet or a resource would be awesome to have in high school because I'm lucky I have parents that I can talk to, but I know that not necessarily everyone else has that opportunity,” Meridian senior Athena Little told KTVB Tuesday.
This is the second year of the program. On Tuesday, students from the six participant schools and the Boise State athletic department began brainstorming ideas for mental health support for teen students. The partnership was beneficial for everyone involved.
“It's a great opportunity for us and one of the things that drew us to the program is the role that students play in promoting mental health in their schools," Boise School District Activities and Athletics Director Brian Walker said. "You know, the focus of BroncoBOLD is increasing awareness, developing resilience, and reducing stigma."
Each high school has a Boise State student-athlete and administrative employee to serve as consultants. As a school is accepted into BroncoBOLD, they have a consultation period with Boise State for the next three years.
The hope is that high schools are able to continue the programs on their own after the three years, ultimately making mental health a priority for students across the area.
Last year was the first year of the BroncoBOLD program. It has grown from having four high schools the first year to now having six high schools, showing the increased need and desire to share ideas and resources around mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, mental or emotional problems, drugs or alcohol, or having family or relationship problems, call or text the following resources.
- Idaho Crisis and Suicide Hotline at 988
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- The Speedy Foundation