We have been working with Pathways of Licking County to bring the Signs of Suicide program to all LVHS students this year. Signs of Suicide is a research based, 2-day program which is facilitated by trained professionals from Pathways.
• Sophomores in Health class second semester have already participated in the program. There were, however, students in first semester Health that did not. They will be personally invited to participate during a freshman period.
• Most juniors in our building are participating in the SOS program this week in Financial Literacy class. Today is day two of the program for them. There is one class of Financial Literacy who will be completing their program in the next couple of weeks.
• Freshmen students are scheduled for Feb. 26-27 during their English 9 classes.
• Senior students are scheduled to complete SOS March 8-9 during their English 12 class.
If interested, more details about the Signs of Suicide program can be found here:https://mentalhealthscreening.org/programs/sos-signs-of-suicide/prevention
One key piece of the SOS program is encouraging students to identify “their person” or people. We want each student to know that if they are struggling with thoughts of depression, anxiety, suicide or self-harm, we want them to tell someone who can help. Part of the program also reiterates that if someone comes to them to tell them they are struggling with these thoughts and emotions, they should reach out to an adult who can help.
We encourage you to have a conversation with your student about who they feel they can talk with if they need help and what they would do if a friend or loved one shared with them they are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Please remind them that any adult at the high school is a good resource to reach out to. The counselors have training on helping link people to the resources they need. Our teachers are currently completing training through the Jason Foundation about assisting students at-risk of suicide. There are also resources available for parents on their website here: http://jasonfoundation.com/ .