This year marks the 13th Anniversary of SPEAK Week. Since 2012, the Brighton Youth Commission (BYC) has planned SPEAK Week to promote awareness about mental health and break down stigmas surrounding it. Colorado is eighth in the nation for the number of youth suicides, and the Brighton community has felt the impact of this statistic personally and profoundly with the 2011 death of Joshua Dillon, a Brighton High senior.

 

SPEAK has grown each subsequent year, both in the week's activities, number of schools involved, and especially the 5k Walk that completes the week's events. Additionally, SPEAK has greatly impacted the way our school district addresses teen mental health and suicide awareness. We are excited to continue this annual event and make a difference in our community.