The be nice. program is proven to increase mental health awareness and prevent suicide. This was found in a three-year evidence-based study performed by Grand Valley State University. The research professors studied the program in a school setting over the span of three years to prove its effectiveness in making a change when it comes to mental health. Ultimately, the study proves the be nice. program enables a positive climate.

It inspires an atmosphere that does not tolerate bullying and provides an awareness surrounding the mental health aspects of negative social behaviors. Implementation of the program creates a sense of connectedness among peers and develops a positive culture with an emphasis on compassion, understanding, and awareness.

Christy Buck has more than 33 years of experience in the mental health field. Buck’s passion for transforming and saving lives through mental health education led her to develop two classroom programs, 'be nice. extension' (originally Live, Laugh, Love) for middle and high school students, and ‘be nice.’ Since 2006, she and her staff have passionately presented to over 250,000 people in West Michigan on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Jeff Elhart serves as an advocate for mental illness awareness and suicide prevention education by promoting the simple action plan called be nice. He is an active member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention as well as suicide prevention coalitions in the state of Michigan. Jeff is a suicide loss survivor having lost his brother, best friend and business partner in their family business Elhart Automotive Campus in Holland, Michigan Wayne to depression by suicide in 2015.