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During this time of the year, we focus on the collective role we all play in suicide prevention. As school-based mental health providers, we can take this opportunity to highlight the significance of suicide and the importance of reducing the stigma of reaching out for help, knowing how to talk to others about suicidal thoughts, and understanding what resources are available for those in need. |
RESOURCES THAT SUPPORT SUICIDE PREVENTION IN SCHOOLS
For suicide prevention resources created for Virginia schools, please visit Suicide Prevention Webpages from the following agencies and organizations:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Model School Policy on Suicide Prevention gives educators and school administrators a comprehensive way to implement suicide prevention policies in their local community.
The Jed Foundation (JED) has developed The Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for High Schools, which is grounded in a tiered framework and aims to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors for suicide, promote overall health and well-being, and highlight effective strategies for identifying and responding to those at risk.
American School Counselor Association (ASCA) has developed these Suicide Prevention and Response Resources which include a Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention that outlines model policies and best practices for school districts to follow to protect the health and safety of all students.
The Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) recently released the School Division Policies Related to Suicide Prevention and Response Research Brief which focuses on education policy related to suicide prevention and response. It is structured to answer the following questions:
- What are recent trends in youth suicide?
- What does research show about school division policies that are effective in suicide prevention and response?
- What policies in Virginia and the MERC region guide the prevention of suicide in school divisions?
- What are the key takeaways and recommendations for preventing youth suicide through education policy?
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND SCHOOL STAFF
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Parents and school staff can approach suicide prevention in the same way they do any other safety or health issue for children. One of the most impactful prevention strategies school staff can do is to educate caregivers on what puts kids at greatest risk for suicide and what protects them most strongly. |
HELP SPREAD THE WORD RESOURCES
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#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide.
Help spread the word about 988. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has added downloadable print files for wallet cards, magnets, and posters to its 988 Partner Toolkit.
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The toolkit already includes logo and brand guidelines, key messages, frequently asked questions, fact sheets (English and Spanish), radio PSA scripts (English and Spanish), and more. The 988 print materials are available for ordering from the SAMHSA store and social media shareables about the basics of 988 are now available.
The I Won’t be Silent Campaign is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators, and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.
"A Friend Asks" is a free smartphone app that helps provide the information, tools, and resources to help someone struggling with thoughts of suicide.
Seize the Awkward helps provide young people with the inspiration and resources they need to help them reach out to their friends and start conversations about mental health.
Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcements (from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice)
SUICIDE PREVENTION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Suicide Prevention Videos for School Staff
Video Trainings for Suicide Risk Assessment Teams or School-Based Mental Health Providers (SBMH)
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Elementary: Sources of Strength Training
September 25-26, 2023
Spring Creek Community Center
181 Clubhouse Way, Zion Crossroads, Virginia 22942
This free, two-day training class is being sponsored by the Conner Strong Foundation (CSF) works to bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention. The foundation is interested in identifying 25 total elementary schools that might be interested in implementing the Sources of Strength (priority will be given to rural elementary schools). For more information about Sources of Strength please visit the CSF webpage. If interested in attending the two-day training class, please contact Tom Worosz via phone 434-326-3538. (Registration closes on September 13, 2023).
2022 Youth Suicide Prevention Panel Recording
The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) within the Office of Child and Family Services decided to shine a spotlight on youth suicide prevention during Children’s Mental Health Awareness month in May 2022. The panel discussion provides an overview of the landscape of youth suicide nationally and in Virginia, as well as strategies for suicide prevention in youth and young adults.
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