According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is a leading cause of death among young people. Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. To attempt to reduce suicidal behavior and its impact on students and families, the District has adopted a suicide prevention policy outlining measures and strategies for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention for students in kindergarten through grade 8.

Suicide Prevention – BP 5141.52 | AR 5141.52

How to get help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about someone who may need crisis support, call or text 988 or visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org.

How can students access mental health services at school and in the community?

In order to initiate access to available student mental health services, contact the school counselor at the school where the student is enrolled or review the parent/student handbook, which provides a list of outside providers that may be contacted for assistance. Parents/guardians may also use the services of https://www.caresolace.org/. CareSolace is a web-based care system that enables families to connect with mental healthcare providers and resources.

What are the warning signs?

Some warning signs exhibited by someone who is at risk for suicide include:

• Talking about being a burden
• Being isolated
• Increased anxiety
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Increased substance use
• Looking for a way to access lethal means
• Increased anger or rage
• Extreme mood swings
• Expressing hopelessness
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Talking or posting about wanting to die
• Making plans for suicide