ABOUT US
Aevidum means
“I’ve got your back”
Aevidum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that empowers youth to shatter the silence surrounding depression, suicide, and other issues facing teens. The word Aevidum, which means “I’ve got your back,” was created by students after a classmate died by suicide. Aevidum inspires schools and communities to adopt cultures of care and advocacy, encouraging all members to have their friends’ backs. Aevidum exists in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the nation.
We are Aevidum.
We are catalysts for positive change.
History
2003
The idea for Aevidum was born at Cocalico High School in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 2003 after a student died by suicide. After his death, students, teachers, and administrators refused to remain silent and began an important conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.
2007
The small group, originally called A Helping Hand, grew and grew until the students renamed the group Aevidum in 2007. The word Aevidum, which was created by students and comes from Latin roots, means “I’ve got your back.”
2009
In 2009, Aevidum received SADD’s National Activity of the Year Award out of 10,000 schools. This experience energized the students to spread the “I’ve got your back” message to other schools throughout Lancaster County.
2010
Aevidum began the process of incorporating and officially became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2010.
Since then, Aevidum and its students have presented at many national conferences, including a plenary session at the American Association of Suicidology, as the first ever student group to present at that conference. Aevidum has been endorsed by leading mental health professionals, school superintendents, school principals, teachers, counselors and, most importantly, students who continue to embrace this life saving initiative. Aevidum students have been recognized by lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Washington DC as part of efforts to bring mental health awareness and training to schools. Aevidum has also appeared in newspapers, on radio, and on TV across the nation, including a feature on Good Morning America.
TODAY
Aevidum has now grown to hundreds of clubs in elementary, middle, and high schools and colleges throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. Our message has been shared widely and hundreds of thousands of individuals have pledged Aevidum.
As Seen On
