Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

8-2026

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Promotion

First Committee Member

Dr. Athena Ramos

Second Committee Member

Dr. Todd Bartee

Third Committee Member

Ellen Duysen

Abstract

Suicide is a leading cause of death in adolescents and young adults, with a disproportionate burden of those deaths in rural areas such as Kansas. High rates of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal attempts, combined with a shortage of mental health providers, emphasize the need for community-based intervention.

This capstone is designed to develop a plan for Hope Kits, a proposed suicide prevention program, among youth in grades 7-12 in Sheridan County, Kansas to improve coping skills, promote help-seeking behavior, and reduce suicide risks.

A logic model guides the program development, which aligns with available literature and Social Cognitive Theory with evaluation by the RE-AIM framework.

The program is expected to increase awareness of crisis resources, increase self-efficacy, positive coping skills, and help-seeking behavior in non-clinical settings. Results are obtained from participants, providers, and local data sources to determine the program’s effectiveness.

Hope Kits represent an adaptable, low-cost community suicide prevention strategy that could be a model for other communities facing mental health challenges.

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The author holds the copyright to this work and any reuse or permissions must be obtained from the author directly.

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