A model that is saving lives….
The suicide prevention program at HelpLine of Delaware and Morrow Counties, Inc. (HelpLine) uses youth prevention programs that are evidence-based and approved by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). Our unique implementation of the program uses a community wide approach. We involve several layers of support staff to create a wider safety net to build suicide safer schools.
The success of this approach is already evident. HelpLine partners with Hayes High School to provide the Signs of Suicide program, a three day session that includes education and screening. We coordinate the program with health teachers and school counselor’s who then connect with mental health liaisons to provide extra support for student referrals. At the end of the day, there is a table of school and community staff who dedicate their entire day to following up with students at-risk through the program’s depression/suicide screening.
This comprehensive approach can be challenging for many communities due to time demands, resources, and overall communication but we are proud that the hard work is paying off. This model is so effective, that since inception of the approach, there have been no Hayes student suicides. Additionally, the model was accepted as a workshop at the statewide 2014 All Ohio Counselors Conference in November 2014. Jessica Darcy, Licensed School Counselor and Max Lencl, HelpLine Program Director, Licensed professional clinical counselor will be teaming up to present this model for interested participants across the state. For more information on this model contact mlencl@helplindelmor.org.
