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To: Oregon Superintendents and Principals, Private Schools, Reopening Advisors, Charter School Leaders, Public Information Officers, School Nurses, School Counselors and Mental Health Professionals, Education Partners
From: Communications Team
Date: August 9, 2022
Re: YouthLine, 988, and New Care & Connection Resources
Dear School and District Leaders,
Sending a couple of reminders today on multiple resources to promote and support the mental health and well-being of Oregon’s students.
YouthLine, Teen Crisis Helpline
OregonYouthLine.org is a free teen-to-teen crisis support and help line. YouthLine is confidential to a point - while they will never share conversations had on the lines, they are mandatory reporters. If a young person is unable to agree to safety for themselves or another person, or if abuse is occurring, YouthLine contacts other agencies to ensure the best support and safety for the young person in crisis.
Teens are available to help daily from 4-10pm PST (adults are available by phone at all other times!):
988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 and offers compassionate care and support for anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, substance use, or any other kind of behavioral health crisis. You can also dial 988 if you are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Oregon Classroom WISE, A New Care and Connection Resource
Last year, we were excited to see that more than half of Oregon’s school districts kicked off the school year with Care & Connection. Many of you continued to devote time to cultivating healthy relationships and communities throughout the school year.
The Care & Connection webpage includes several communication tools including customizable messages and social media copy for messages to families. Please feel free to modify these materials to fit the specific needs of your district, school, or community. You can also find additional resources for strengthening school community mental health on ODE’s Mental Health and Well-being webpage.
This year, we’re adding a dynamic new resource, Oregon Classroom WISE (Oregon CW), a suite of free print and video resources, guided tutorials, role plays, and interviews with youth and school personnel.
We encourage you to check out this fantastic suite of resources, share them with school staff, parents, and local partners, and form learning groups to increase mental health promotion knowledge and skills in your community.
We’re excited to begin another school year with Care & Connection and are committed to supporting you in that effort. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Dr. B Grace Bullock.
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