Colorado has one of the highest teen suicide rates in the United States.

If you find that surprising, you might be even more alarmed to learn that suicide is the second-leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S. - higher than drug overdose, cancer, heart disease, and homicide. But perhaps what's most shocking about teen suicide has nothing to do with facts and figures; it's that, despite the staggering number of teens taking their life every year, nobody seems to be speaking to those that are affected most - teenagers. Robbie's Hope aims to change that.

Our goal is to cut teen suicide in half by the year 2028. By helping to destigmatize depression and empower teens with the tools and resources they need, we seek to help foster youth-driven, youth-created programs that reduce suicide outcomes. In helping teens recognize warning signs and exercise early intervention strategies, we hope to arrest suicidal thoughts before they occur.

That doesn't mean training teenage clinicians. Rather, it's simply letting kids know that It's Ok, To Not Be Ok. It's inspiring them to keep HOPE (Hold On, Pain Ends). It's giving them the safe channels to engage with others. And, it's showing them that it's never wrong to ask when you think someone might be struggling.

In order to destigmatize suicide, we have to be able to talk about it. And if Colorado's young people can get each other talking - through programs created by teens, for teens - we can stop suicidal thoughts before they ever have a chance to start.

Emcee: Kim Christiansen, Anchor of 9News

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