Lincoln County Prevention of ATODS (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) Abuse and Jae Foundation partnered to bring Jae Boots for high school seniors from Kemmerer Junior-Senior High School (KJSHS) and New Frontier — an initiative that provides suicide prevention resources and encourages open conversations about mental health.

As part of this initiative, seniors and staff at KJSHS and New Frontier received Jae Boots on March 10-11. These cowboy boots carry a lasting legacy and serve as a tangible reminder of the importance of mental health check-ins.

“Our young people are amazing people and they have an incredible opportunity with the Jae Foundation,” said Brittany Ritter, Director of Lincoln County Prevention of ATODS Abuse, who played a key role in bringing Jae Boots to Kemmerer. “The Jae Foundation helps our young people learn how to relate to one another, check in with each other and connect during a critical time as a senior cohort.”

The Jae Foundation’s High School Senior Boot Initiative collaborates with high schools in Idaho and Wyoming to share Jae’s story and create “Boot Check Moments.” Through this powerful experience, students receive their Jae Boots and learn how to use these moments to start meaningful conversations about mental health.

After receiving their boots, students commit to check in with someone on their heart about their mental health. Additionally, they commit to reach out for help if experiencing their own mental health struggles.

“This school year, we’ve shared Jae’s story with more than 4,000 seniors across Wyoming and Idaho,” said Jae Foundation Outreach Coordinator Julie Mackey. “We’ve already seen the impact, with students sharing their own mental health struggles and taking part in Boot-Check Moments. We’re excited to see the Kemmerer community come together to bring this much-needed conversation to its high school seniors.”

The Jae Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention, was founded in memory of Jae Bing, a Pinedale native who died by suicide in 2016.

Known for his love of cowboy boots and his friends, Jae’s legacy now lives on through the more than 15,000 pairs of Jae Boots shared with open conversations that encourage individuals to seek help, support one another and create a culture of caring for those around you.

The launch of Jae Boots in Kemmerer is made possible by Lincoln County Prevention of ATODS through grant funding.

To learn more about the Jae Foundation, visit jaefoundation.com. For more information on supporting Jae Boots in Kemmerer, contact Brittany Ritter at 307-390-8442.

If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.