MALIBU, Calif. — Data from the CDC and other sources has found about 20% of teens (1 in 5) seriously consider suicide and 9% have attempted to take their lives.
In response to that data, members of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, or BGCM, have launched the "1 in 5" project, a youth-led suicide prevention project to raise awareness about mental health and the available access to no-cost support offered through BGCM's Wellness Center.
As part of the campaign, several teens, including Diego Alvarez and Hayley Alvarado, have designed and created an apparel line for sale at Third Space, the club's storefront and available online.
The line includes sweatshirts with messages like "Tomorrow needs you" and "Be the reason someone smiles today."
All proceeds will directly support the BGCM Wellness Center's mental health counseling and social support services.