STOPS Launches New Brand Identity Focused on Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention in Partnership with Wild Moss Marketing and Media

Covington, LA, November 5, 2025 — STOPS is proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive new brand identity developed in partnership with Wild Moss Marketing and Media. This rebrand reflects STOPS strengthened commitment to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention support across the Florida Parishes.

Rooted in the belief that every life holds value and that every suicide can be prevented, STOPS exists to educate, equip, and support individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and faith and community partners. This refreshed brand marks a renewed chapter in the organization’s long-standing mission to raise awareness, reduce stigma, increase access to suicide prevention education, and walk with families and community members affected by suicide.

The urgency of suicide prevention in St. Tammany Parish is significant. Recent NIH data show the parish experiences a suicide rate of approximately 17.4 deaths per 100,000 residents, representing 48 lives lost in a recent reporting period. Local coroner data also shows that suicides in St. Tammany Parish increased by 20 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period the previous year. These numbers continue to exceed state and national averages, underscoring the critical need for prevention, intervention, and postvention support in our community.

Developed by Wild Moss, the rebrand includes an updated visual identity, messaging, outreach materials, and a new user-friendly website, stopsla.org, designed to connect the public with clear suicide prevention information, crisis support, educational programs, and ways to get involved. The updated site ensures that community members can easily learn who STOPS is, what suicide prevention services are available, and how to connect for support or partnership.

As part of this initiative, STOPS has also implemented Zeffy. This secure, fee-free donation platform ensures 100% of contributions go directly to suicide awareness efforts, community response, suicide prevention education, and survivor support.

STOPS leadership emphasized that this rebrand is more than a new look. It represents a strategic step to meet growing community needs, expand visibility, and ensure suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention resources remain accessible to every member of the community.

Wild Moss Co-Founder Haley Ridgel shared that the mission of STOPS holds both professional and deeply personal meaning. Suicide affects families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities, and Ridgel believes this brand was built to honor lives, build hope, and make it easier for people to find connection, support, and information when they need it most. She added, “I know what it feels like to face darkness, to struggle with mental illness, and to fight to find hope again. I have lived with bipolar disorder, walked through trauma, and faced moments where surviving the day took courage. I have also witnessed the heartbreak that suicide leaves behind. This work matters to me because I understand, on a human and spiritual level, how critical support and connection are. I believe every person deserves to stay, and every life has purpose. Supporting STOPS is not just business for me. It is part of my calling.”

The rebrand and new website are launching now, marking an important milestone in strengthening STOPS’ visibility, suicide prevention outreach, and community connection. In the coming weeks, STOPS will introduce its first major initiative under the new brand, continuing its mission to bring hope, suicide education, and support to the region.

About STOPS
STOPS was founded in 2001 with a mission to prevent suicide through education, community outreach, and survivor support. STOPS partners with schools, churches, mental health professionals, and civic organizations to provide training, awareness programs, and direct access to life-saving resources.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

About Wild Moss Marketing & Media
Wild Moss Marketing & Media is a creative agency based on the Northshore, specializing in purpose-driven branding, community storytelling, and digital engagement. Co-founded by Haley Ridgel and Rachel Hryniewich, Wild Moss helps local organizations amplify their voice, expand their reach, and connect authentically with their audiences through strategy and storytelling rooted in compassion, creativity, and purpose.