Suicide Prevention Newsletter

During the month of September, we send this newsletter to inform guardians and our community memembers of how Poteet ISD works to prevent and respond to suicide risk in children and adolescents, and how you can do the same.

What to expect in this newsletter:

1. A look at PISD's efforts to prevent suicide.

2. Information about what you can do to help prevent suicide.

PISD recognizes that suicide is the second leading cause of death for school-age students, and we are dedicated to working with families, community partners, and state and national agencies to prevent youth suicide.

At the district level, specialists in school suicide prevention regularly review research, best-practice recommendations, and legal requirements.

At the school level, PISD suicide prevention program follows a multi-tiered, team-based approach to keeping students safe:

DISTRICT AND SCHOOL STAFF WHO MAY WORK WITH ME OR MY CHILD DURING A SUICIDE RISK SCREENING AND INTERVENTION.

• School Counselors

• Licensed Professional Counselors

• PISD Police Officers

• Safety and Security Coordinator

Suicide can be prevented. We recognize that sometimes there are clear signs that a child needs mental health support; however, it’s not always obvious and we shouldn’t expect them to always ask for help directly. It is important that parents and other caregivers be aware of the common warning signs of suicide. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, the following signs are indications that your child may be at immediate risk:

• talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself

• looking for a way to kill oneself (for example, searching online to obtain a gun)

• talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose

If you notice any of the above three warning signs, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact a mental health professional.

It is important to take steps to keep children safe at home. Increasing monitoring and limiting their access to potentially lethal means are two vital steps to protecting those who have exhibited warning signs. Below you will find a brief guide to suicide prevention and controlling access to lethal means.

In addition to the mental health professionals at the campus and district level, there are several local, state and national organizations dedicated to preventing suicide. Click on the links below to learn more.