At the February 4 City Commission meeting, Mayor Chad Beeson officially proclaimed February 13, 2025, as Day of Hope in Arkansas City. The City stands with Hope Squads of Cowley County in its mission to raise awareness about mental health, foster peer-to-peer connections, and prevent suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-17 in the U.S., and in 2022 alone, more than 49,000 Americans lost their lives to suicide. We encourage our community to take part in spreading hope, supporting mental well-being, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.