A Growing Concern: The Rise of Suicide Rates in the U.S.
Suicide remains a critical public health issue in the United States. After experiencing declines in 2019 and 2020, suicide deaths rose approximately 5% in 2021. The most recent provisional estimates indicate that this troubling trend has continued into 2022, with an estimated 49,449 suicides—a heartbreaking increase from 48,183 deaths in 2021, representing a rise of approximately 2.6%. These statistics underscore the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and support for mental health initiatives as we strive to address this epidemic and lend a helping hand to those in need.
HOW HTGH MAKES AN IMPACT
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT
The youth mental health project fundraiser catalyzed the establishment of HTGH. Completing the final 1,300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail raised nearly $30,000 in donations, demonstrating the belief that HTGH could play a significant role in mental health advocacy. The mission is to support other organizations and programs nationwide that need visibility and funding.
“The Youth Mental Health Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate, empower, and support families and communities to better understand and care for the mental health of our youth.
We envision a world made up of informed families and caring communities that realize and strengthen the mental health of our youth — a world where people are just as aware of their mental health as their physical health, where families are validated and able to readily access the care they need.”
Hike the Good Hike is excited to announce our new partnership with Friends of the Children Central Oregon.
Friends of the Children has redefined the youth mentoring field by creating the country's first and only long-term professional mentoring program. Their Friends are experts in building sustained and nurturing relationships with youth, specializing in working with youth who have faced a lot of adversity.
With our missions of supporting youth very much aligned, HTGH offers assistance to Friends of Children through financial support generated through Jesse's (HTGH's Founder and Director) 3100-mile Continental Dived Trail thru-hike in July of 2024. We will also support programs that focus on using wilderness retreats/exploration. We look forward to coming together, in the Bend, Oregon area, for a weekend in which HTGH will attend and contribute in the future.