After losing a friend to suicide, the word “aevidum” was invented to mean “I’ve got your back.” Now it represents a new club at Carlisle that is having a positive impact on the school climate.

The movement all started at Cocalico High School in Lancaster Pennsylvania when a student took his own life and a support group was created. They set their goal on educating the community about suicide and mental health.

Their message quickly spread and after becoming an official non-profit organization in 2010, Aevidum has appeared in over 150 schools.

Now, Aevidum has come to Carlisle.

Michelle Disbrow, club co-advisor, said the group’s goal at the high school is to “[build] a sense of community and mak[e] everyone feel appreciated.”

Their first task was writing notes with positive
messages and placing them on lockers. They also left messages of appreciation in chalk outside the doors to the school for the teachers to see.

Within the first year of Aevidum being at Carlisle, they are already seeing positive effects. Teachers “seemed more happy about coming into work” after the messages brightened their day, said club member Molly Marra. 

As Disbrow explained, “You never know when a smile or a random note will really change somebody’s day.”

The club hopes to grow beyond the school and help spread their powerful message throughout the community of Carlisle.

According to PleaseLive.org, 1 in 7 high school students have considered suicide within the past school year. This is one of the many shocking statistics that are opening the eyes of the world. PleaseLive.org

Do not be afraid to seek help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.