What Is Speak Up Save A Life? 

Speak Up Save A Life is a HOSA 2025 Mental Health Promotion campaign created and run by Leah McVay and Natalie Jackson. 

We are sophomores at Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, TN. We met with our school counselor (Mrs. Ottinger) and social worker (Mrs. King) and noticed a big issue among students; there was an increase in self harm and suicide rates in our school. We decided that it was important to bring awareness to suicide prevention and mental health among youth. Our risk factors include the stigma around mental health and the media idealization around suicide and depression. Our protective factors include finding a reason for living and having a strong connection to your school or community. Speak Up Save A Life is focused on normalizing talk about mental health and how to help yourself and others when you or they have thoughts of self harm or suicide.