Laramie’s high school seniors will soon receive a special gift—cowboy boots with a powerful message. The Jae Boots program, created by the Jae Foundation, encourages students to check in on their friends and talk about mental health.

On March 4-5, seniors at Laramie, Whiting, and Rock River High Schools will receive Jae Boots. These boots honor Jae Bing, a Pinedale native who died by suicide in 2016. His love of boots and helping others inspired this program, which has already reached 4,000 students in Wyoming and Idaho.

The Jae Foundation, Ivinson Memorial Hospital, and Albany County School District #1 are bringing the program to local schools with help from community donors. Ivinson has pledged $10,000 per year to support mental health efforts in Albany County.

“This is about helping students connect and support one another,” said educator Jenna Tennant. “I’m grateful to everyone who made it happen.”

Students receiving Jae Boots will commit to checking in on someone and reaching out if they need help. This effort reminds seniors that they are not alone.

For more on the Jae Foundation, visit jaefoundation.com. Read more about the Jae Boots initiative at Ivinson Memorial Hospital: Boot Check: Jae Boots Initiative Launches in Albany County. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support.