The month of September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the district is providing resources to students, families, and employees to help them know the warning signs of suicide and help them connect with resources to help prevent suicide.
Each week during September, counselors and social workers are engaging in developmentally appropriate grade-level guidance curriculum on suicide prevention at the campus level. Schools are invited to share photos of their activities and support with the hashtag #BeThe1To, to remind students and staff of the five steps they can use to help someone in crisis.
Suicide awareness is a topic Tiffany Venzor, director of counseling services, says is extra important right now. For both students and employees, Venzor said referrals for external and internal mental health resources have increased since the stress and disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“We know some of our students haven’t been on campus for a year or more, some of the things they’ve been exposed to, and the unhealthy coping mechanisms they may have picked up,” Venzor said. “As we continue to see trends nationally, even locally, mental health is something we need to bring to the forefront.”
Faculty and staff will also have weekly zoom calls and professional development opportunities addressing suicide prevention and mental health. All secondary teachers participated in the six-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid national certification course in August. Trainers from this course will be facilitating the weekly zoom calls to allow teachers to debrief and further apply their knowledge.
Zoom Dates:
• Sept. 20 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
• Sept. 29 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Password: YMHFA
For all members of the community — students, staff, and families, the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas offers group and individual sessions for those who have been impacted by death through suicide. The SAISD Aetna Employee Assistance Program provides bereavement support to employees as well.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available to help anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts. The number is 1-800-273-TALK.
“We want people to know it’s okay to ask for help, and you’re not alone,” Venzor said.