SIRPHA stands for Students in Rockbridge Promoting Healthy Alternatives and is a club in which the members work to spread awareness about topics such as underage drinking, tobacco use, drug use, and mental health. 

SIRPHA is a student-led club and currently has 10 members. Each member is dedicated to spreading awareness. The President of the club is Katlyn Critchley, and the Vice President is Alex Hinkle. SIRPHA is working as a group to reach out to parents, students, and community members with strategies such as mental health awareness signs that can be found around Rockbridge County. The signs’ messages include quotes such as, “you are enough,” “you are loved,” and “your story is important.”

“I feel like we are a strong group with a good purpose, and we will continue to do our best and achieve our goals,” said Hinkle.

With COVID-19 still affecting the area, the group has not been able to have events this year. Instead, they are currently encouraging members to create more awareness signs to be put up. The group is still excited for any event that they will be able to do in the future. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely had an impact on our group. We have met as a group and individually via Google Meet to discuss what our next steps are,” said Critchley. 

SIRPHA is still recruiting members and students should contact Mrs. Pedigo, Alex Hinkle, or Katlyn Critchley if interested in joining.