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# Arkansas City Proclaims Day of Hope to Raise Mental Health Awareness
- URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/arkansas-city-proclaims-day-of-hope-to-raise-mental-health-awareness/
- Published: 2026-02-14T04:11:57.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-29T23:18:59.000Z
- Author: Jory Boyd
- Tags: avcj, dnn, #news

ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Mayor Tad Stover issued a proclamation recognizing Feb. 12, 2026, as Day of Hope in Arkansas City during the Feb. 6 City Commission meeting.

The proclamation highlights the community's commitment to supporting mental health and well-being and recognizes the work of Hope Squads of Cowley County and its peer-to-peer approach to building connection, raising awareness and helping prevent suicide.

The proclamation noted alarming statistics about youth mental health in the United States:

- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-34.
- More than 49,000 Americans died by suicide in 2023, with more than 1.5 million attempts.
- In Kansas, 550 lives were lost in 2023.

Residents are invited to participate in Day of Hope by taking small but meaningful steps, such as checking in on a friend, starting a thoughtful conversation or supporting organizations dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention.