March 28, 2024

East Providence Youth Council Members Initiate ‘The Bandana Project’ In East Providence and Surrounding Communities

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On Friday January 6th, 11 members of the East Providence Youth Council (EPYC) became the inaugural support group for EPYC’s nationally recognized chapter for The Bandana Project. The East Providence Prevention Coalition (EPPC) awarded certificates of training to the youth and they received green bandanas.

The Bandana Project is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention campaign that uses backpacks and bandanas to support peers in getting help. From prompts for everyday conversations to providing links to suicide prevention trainings, The Bandana Project works against stigma and reinforces solidarity in mental health awareness. Members of the program tie a lime green bandana to their backpack, which signifies that they carry national and local mental health and suicide prevention resources. This program works against the societal stigma associated with mental illness and creates a more supportive community. Having a bandana means that you are willing to have a conversation about mental health concerns and shows that it is normal to get help for your mental health.

EPYC members went through a two hour modified course of “Stronger Together,” a mental health awareness training, funded by the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH). They were interviewed and had to supply adult references, attesting to their abilities to handle a project like this. Each member also carries a business card, identifying themselves and resources available to someone in need.

The following students were honored:

Andre Crowe, Sophomore at East Providence High School

Kalvin Fernandes-Rado, Freshman at Jaqueline M Walsh School for the Arts

Jordan Marlow, Sophomore at East Providence High School

Matthew Marlow, Junior at East Providence High School

Paris Martin, Senior at East Providence High School

Jacob Poore, Senior at East Providence High School

Hunter Roman, Junior at Jaqueline M Walsh School for the Arts

Erin Saraiva, Sophomore at East Providence High School

David Costa-Rado, 8th Grader at Riverside Middle School

Caroline Roman, 7th Grader at Riverside Middle School

Payton Roman, 6th Grader at Riverside Middle School

Adult advisor, Bethanie Rado congratulated the recipients and concluded their awards with the sentiments, “I am incredibly proud of the young men and women that you see here tonight. They recognized an opportunity to collectively make their community better and in turn embraced the ability to really make a difference. East Providence and our surroundings communities are better because you are in them.”

EPPC also distributed honorary green bandanas to the following adult supports in the youths’ schools and communities that have the knowledge, ability and compassion to demonstrate everything The Bandana Project stands for. Guidance Counselors at each participating secondary school will also be given one to wear.

Cara Coogan, Student Assistance Councilor at East Providence High School Tayla Vincent, Student Assistance Councilor at Martin Middle School Madeline Marlow, Director of East Providence Prevention Coalition Bethanie Rado, Youth & Media Relations Coordinator for EPPC and Adult Advisor to EPYC
The community is encouraged to recognize this accomplishment and support the Bandana Project. If you see someone wearing a green bandana on their bag, know that he/she/they is (are) a resource to you. These bandanas mean that you are not alone, that you matter and your feelings are valid. They mean that someone is here to listen.

The next youth training session will be on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at the Scout House on Willett Ave from 9:30am-11:30am. An adult version of this training, “Stronger Together,” will be offered on Wednesday night, February 8, 2023 from 5:45p-8pm at East Providence City Hall. Registration for both programs is required and can be done by contacting Bethanie Rado at brado@eastprovidenceri.gov,  calling 401-527-7008 or online at

YOUTH TRAINING: https://forms.gle/8eNLXR9zgj53xBCh8 
ADULT TRAINING: https://bit.ly/3xSTIJD  

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