The 2021 HOPEfull Drive is in full force this week, encouraging teens across the county to share mental health resources with trusted adults like parents and teachers to begin a dialogue around teen mental health.

The third annual drive is sponsored by Robbie’s Hope Foundation, a Wheat Ridge nonprofit dedicated to fighting teen suicide, aiming to cut teen suicide rates in half by 2028.

“One of the most important first steps in helping a struggling teen is starting ongoing conversations about their mental health,” said Kari Eckert, executive director of the foundation. 

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Robbie’s Hope Foundation was founded by Eckert and her husband Jason after their 15-year-old son Robbie died by suicide in 2018.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Coloradans ages 10-24 and the second leading cause of death among teens in the U.S.

“There is an epidemic of teen suicide throughout our country and a desperate need to increase mental health resources in our communities,” Eckert said. “We developed the HOPEfull Drive to encourage these one-on-one dialogues.”

In addition to promoting individual conversations, during the HOPEfull Drive teen ambassadors from Robbie’s Hope Foundation post mental health information online and set up booths at their schools and outdoor events.

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The foundation and its ambassadors distribute resources on teen depression, anxiety and suicide, including the Robbie’s Hope Adult Handbook — tips from teens on how to navigate and begin discussions about mental health.

Since beginning the teen ambassador program in the fall of 2020, Robbie’s Hope Foundation has accumulated nearly 2,000 ambassadors around the country.

“We hope that by fostering dialogue to destigmatize mental health issues, we can help provide a path towards teaching our community how to start a discussion and save a life,” Eckert said.

The 2021 HOPEfull Drive takes place from Jan. 21 to Feb. 6. More information is available at robbies-hope.com.