RAPID CITY, S.D. — Lost&Found’s Peer2Peer Mentorship program has earned a spot on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry, marking a major milestone for the South Dakota-based nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health.
The Best Practices Registry is a national database of programs proven to prevent suicide through evidence-based strategies. Inclusion in the registry underscores the Peer2Peer program’s effectiveness in promoting student well-being through peer-led mentorship and mental health support.
“Inspired by student voices, brought to life by an incredible team, and uplifted by the generosity of our donors, the Peer2Peer Mentorship program is rooted in compassion and connection,” said Carrie Jorgensen, Executive Director of Lost&Found. “This recognition is a shared achievement for the entire Lost&Found community—it demonstrates our dedication to resilience and brings us closer to the heart of our mission.”
Developed over four years, the Peer2Peer program matches college students with trained peer mentors to create meaningful connections that foster resilience and mental wellness. Lost&Found compiled outcome data, implementation practices, and evaluation tools to demonstrate the program’s impact and meet national standards.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of everyone involved and the impact of peer support in promoting student mental health across South Dakota and beyond,” said Dr. Gesine Ziebarth, Lost&Found’s Research & Evaluation Manager. “We remain committed to adapting the program to meet students’ evolving needs and account for emerging research.”
The Peer2Peer program is active in the Black Hills at South Dakota Mines, Black Hills State University, and University Center Rapid City. Lost&Found serves more than 40 communities across South Dakota, Minnesota, and tribal nations, working through a four-pronged approach: student programs, research and evaluation, education and policy, and postvention support.
The Best Practices recognition opens doors for further expansion of the program across the region, bringing new momentum to efforts to prevent youth and young adult suicide in Rapid City, the Black Hills, and throughout South Dakota.
Learn more at resilienttoday.org.
