Lost&Found’s Peer2Peer program is recognized as a Best Practice

Lost&Found’s Peer2Peer Mentorship program has been approved to be listed on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry. The registry is a national resource library of programs and interventions that focus on preventing suicide and have evidence to show their effectiveness.

“Inspired by student voices, brought to life by an incredible team, and uplifted by the generosity of our donors, the Peer2Peer Mentorship program is rooted in compassion and connection,” said Carrie Jorgensen, Lost&Found’s Executive Director. “This recognition is a shared achievement for the entire Lost&Found community—it demonstrates our dedication to resilience and brings us closer to the heart of our mission.”

Over the past four years, Lost&Found’s staff developed and implemented the P2P program to support college students through meaningful connections with peer mentors. To earn this national recognition, the staff compiled and submitted detailed evidence of the program’s effectiveness—including outcome data, implementation practices, and evaluation tools.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of everyone involved and the impact of peer support in promoting student mental health across South Dakota and beyond,” said Dr. Gesine Ziebarth, Lost&Found’s Research & Evaluation Manager.  “We remain committed to adapting the program to meet students’ evolving needs and account for emerging research.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see this work recognized nationally. We’re excited for the opportunity to expand the program’s reach and deepen its impact.”