Portland High School students and staff promote suicide awareness

On September 10, Portland High School students and staff wore teal and purple to shine a light on suicide awareness and prevention. This powerful gesture was a heartfelt reminder that we must talk openly about this critical issue. BIONIC (Believe It or Not I Care) members transformed the PHS hallways with vibrant streamers and balloons, filling the school with a powerful message of unity and care.

BIONIC is a student-led mental health club at PHS, dedicated to making sure everyone feels seen and valued. In the busy lives of a high school student, it is easy to forget to check in with one another. BIONIC’'s goal is to reassure students, faculty, and the community that they matter, their mental health is important, and remind them that it’s okay to not be okay—but it’s not okay to give up.

On September 10, PHS came together as a school, showing that every person can make a real difference by supporting and reminding each other that we all truly matter.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available to provide support.