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New South Carolina Ice Bucket Challenge Gets People Talking About Mental Health

USC’s MIND Club launched a new take on the ice bucket challenge. The goal is to get students to open up about mental health and stop suicides. This new trend puts a twist on…

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 22: Participants tip buckets of ice water over their heads as they take part in the World Record Ice Bucket Challenge at Etihad Stadium on August 22, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. Over 700 people took part in setting the new world record. The Ice Bucket Challenge is the social media phenomenon which is helping raise awareness and money for sufferers of Motor Neurone Disease. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images

USC's MIND Club launched a new take on the ice bucket challenge. The goal is to get students to open up about mental health and stop suicides. This new trend puts a twist on what worked in 2014 with ALS.

"Our main goals are breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, advocating for suicide prevention on campus, and promoting daily mindfulness," said Wade Jefferson, a MIND Club member, to WKBW.

Among those taking the icy plunge was Maeve Holland, age 9. She joined students across campus in the cold-water challenge. Participants shoot quick videos, add #SpeakYourMind, and share them on social media.

The campaign supports Active Minds, which works with youth facing mental struggles. Students picked this mission to make mental wellness talks as common as discussing a cold or broken arm.

The setup is simple — grab water, ice, and start filming. This basic approach lets anyone take part, from kids in grade school to adults at work. 

MIND Club tracks each new participant. They believe one cold splash might spark thousands of honest talks about feelings and mental wellness.