The Green Bandana Project

The Green Bandana Project The Bandana Project (TBP) is a trademark program that was founded at the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus in January of 2016.

The Green Bandana Project is all about working on supporting a broader approach to transforming the mental health climate among students, staff and their communities, all to help make a difference and SAVE lives, one lime green bandana at a time! The idea was inspired by "Dan's Bandana Project" at UW-River Falls, which asked students to pledge to support others' mental health. Though The Bandana P

roject originally started on college campuses, many high schools, and community leaders since have adapted this life-changing movement. The Bandana Project takes a broader approach to suicide prevention and mental health needs. A movement that allows students, staff, teachers and their communities to work together against stigma and to reinforce solidarity in mental health awareness in the school environment. Through trainings, various resources, and lime green bandanas, the program helps TBP members to identify the signs and support others struggling, while bringing awareness to a movement about making it shameless, empowering, and helpful to talk about mental health needs and suicide. Students, staff and the communities who join the trademark movement, tie a lime-green bandana to their backpack/purse that shows as an indication that they are a member of TBP who may serve as a visible beacon of support for others in their school that also carry resources cards with them that provide support. From normalizing prompts for everyday conversations to linking folks to suicide prevention trainings, the resources offered by The Bandana Project use in both fundamental and constantly-developing principles in public health theory. We are so excited to work with you to transform the mental health climate of high school students, staff, and their communities, all will help make a difference and SAVE lives, one green bandana at a time! Please contact [email protected] with any requests.

This is huge growth for a first-year program. πŸ’šIn just their first year, Coastal Carolina University's Green Bandana Pro...
08/20/2026

This is huge growth for a first-year program. πŸ’š

In just their first year, Coastal Carolina University's Green Bandana Project program reached incredible numbers:

🟒 700+ students expressed interest
🟒 275 students trained across 7 trainings
🟒 Representation in ~65% of CCU's student organizations (135 orgs!)
🟒 87 faculty & staff registered for the inaugural training, including a majority of the President's Cabinet

That's not just a strong launch, that's real, campus-wide buy-in from students, faculty, and leadership alike. Proof that when a campus commits to mental health, the whole community shows up.

Congrats to CCU on an incredible first year! πŸŽ‰

New school year, new boundaries. πŸ’šWhether it's protecting your sleep, saying no without guilt, or making time for yourse...
08/18/2026

New school year, new boundaries. πŸ’š

Whether it's protecting your sleep, saying no without guilt, or making time for yourself between classes, boundaries aren't selfish. They're how you take care of your mental health.

Drop yours in the comments below πŸ‘‡ Let's normalize setting them out loud.

πŸ”— Want to be a visible resource for mental health on your campus? Learn more about the Green Bandana Project at the link in our bio.

Real friendship isn't about grand gestures. It's about the small, consistent things. πŸ’šGreen flags look like: showing up ...
08/13/2026

Real friendship isn't about grand gestures. It's about the small, consistent things. πŸ’š

Green flags look like: showing up on your hard days (not just the good ones), making space for "I'm not okay," respecting your boundaries without the guilt trip, and telling you the truth because they actually care.

Swipe through and see how many hit home, then tag the friend who does all of this without even trying.

You are allowed to take up space. πŸ’šDon't shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Don't apologize for having needs. D...
08/11/2026

You are allowed to take up space. πŸ’š

Don't shrink yourself to make others comfortable. Don't apologize for having needs. Don't stay quiet to keep the peace.

Your voice, your feelings, and your presence belong here. Today, let this be your permission slip.

More than half of all serious mental health issues start before age 15. Three-quarters before age 24. That means most of...
08/06/2026

More than half of all serious mental health issues start before age 15. Three-quarters before age 24.

That means most of us are moving through the exact window when mental health challenges are most likely to show up, during high school, and right now, in college.

Early awareness isn't just helpful. It's critical. The sooner we talk about it, the sooner people can get support.

The Green Bandana Project trains students to become a visible, trusted resource on campus. Members complete a short training, carry mental health resource cards, and tie a green bandana to their backpack, letting peers know they're someone safe to talk to.

It's a simple way to make sure no one on your campus has to wonder where to turn.

Remember, if something feels off, it's worth talking about. You're not alone in this. πŸ’š

If you need support, call or text 988.

(Source: Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2010)

Starting college (or heading back) and not feeling 100% ready? You're not alone. πŸ’š From finding your school's resources ...
08/04/2026

Starting college (or heading back) and not feeling 100% ready? You're not alone. πŸ’š

From finding your school's resources early to building a community that actually gets it, here are 5 tips for staying mentally healthy this semester!

Swipe through, and remember: whatever semester you're on, you are capable, your feelings are valid, and you belong here.

Mental health care should be accessible to everyone, but for many, it isn't. πŸ’šThis Minority Mental Health Awareness Mont...
07/30/2026

Mental health care should be accessible to everyone, but for many, it isn't. πŸ’š

This Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we're talking about why that gap exists and what we can all do to help close it.

It's more than just a piece of fabric. πŸ’šWhen you see a green bandana tied to someone's backpack, it means that person ha...
07/28/2026

It's more than just a piece of fabric. πŸ’š

When you see a green bandana tied to someone's backpack, it means that person has been trained to connect you to mental health and su***de prevention resources. It means you're not alone. It means it's safe to talk. Learn more at the link in our bio.

Your summer mental health checklist starts here. πŸ’šβœ… Stick to a consistent sleep scheduleβœ… Get 15–30 minutes of morning s...
07/23/2026

Your summer mental health checklist starts here. πŸ’š

βœ… Stick to a consistent sleep schedule
βœ… Get 15–30 minutes of morning sunlight
βœ… Move your body with a walk, swim, bike ride, or stretch
βœ… Stay hydrated and fuel yourself with nourishing foods
βœ… Set boundaries and make time to recharge
βœ… Take breaks from social media and be present in the moment
βœ… Check in with yourself regularly and ask, β€œWhat do I need right now?”

Small daily habits can make a big difference in how you feel. This summer, prioritize your mental wellness with the same care you give to everything else.

We've made it to the middle of the summer! Take a second and pause. How are you actually doing? πŸ’š
07/21/2026

We've made it to the middle of the summer! Take a second and pause. How are you actually doing? πŸ’š

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Bloomington, MN

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