Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks honors two 6th Graders who created “Hope for Change” coins to Support Suicide Prevention for Veterans.
Last year while attending John Tyson Elementary School in Springdale Arkansas, Luke Ajayi and Kevin Nguyen, with the help of their teacher, Jennifer Boogaart created a project. A year later they are seeing their project grow. Their project is called Hope for Change.
Through multiple attempts and redesigns, the two created a laser-printed wooden, quarter-sized coin attached to a business card. Both contain the same life-saving information: “24/7 Veterans Crisis Line, Dial 988 and press 1 or Text 838255.
VHSO Director Dr. George Velez attended a ceremony to honor the students and their teacher at John Tyson Elementary School this week.
Boogaart, explained, “The name of the project, Change for Hope. is a powerful play on words. The word "change" has multiple layers of meaning in this context. On one hand, it refers to change, like coins in your pocket, but, more profoundly, it symbolizes the change in life. This is the change for hope, healing, and new beginnings that can come with the support provided through resources like the Suicide Prevention Lifeline.”
Dr. Velez first learned of the coin project through High Reliability Rounding (HRO). “As a Medical Center Director, I am filled with immense pride in seeing young hearts and hands—These two elementary students have worked together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Veterans. Their compassion and effort remind us all that even the smallest acts of kindness can create ripples of change that echo for generations."
Velez added, “Suicide Prevention is my number one focus. VHSO knows that we cannot do this alone. It takes a village. These coins are symbols of support, unity, and, most importantly, hope for our Veterans by our community members.”
To date, over 1,000 coins have been given to Veterans, Fire Fighters and Police Officers. Requests for the coins continue to grow as more people learn about the “Hope for Change”.
The students received a coin of their own from Medical Center Director Dr. George Velez. As Velez handed Luke a Director’s Coin and certificate of Appreciation from VHSO, the Luke beamed with pride. Luke Ajay had excitement in his voice as he said, “We want to share as many coins as possible! We were very excited that the VA said they would help pass out our coins. VHSO has asked us to talk about our project and pass out the coins next spring and we are so pumped!”
Kevin and Luke were unaware of the significance that their coins held among Veterans and active service members. These coins often symbolize camaraderie, achievements, or significant moments in one’s military career. Whether given in recognition of a soldier's service, awarded for excellence, or shared between comrades, the coins serve as a reminder of shared experiences.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that help is just a phone call away. Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline. Dail 988 Press 1.