for Schools

Preventing Suicide

There are ways for your school to work towards a community safer from suicide.

Community Services Boards

Train

Enroll staff in free and low-cost trainings our participating Community Services Boards offer, such as Youth Mental Health First Aid, safeTALK, and ASIST. See calendar for details.
Educate
Receive free educational material on adolescent mental health and suicide prevention from your local Community Services Board (view map below).

Virginia Department of Education

Learn

Look to the Virginia Department of Education guidelines for a suicide-safer school environment.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Read

Find a complete guide for best practices in the Suicide Prevention Toolkit for Schools, available as a pdf on the SAMHSA website.
After a Suicide: A Toolkit For Schools

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After a Suicide

When a school community loses someone to suicide, staff, students, and parents generally experience significant and complex grief. In the immediate aftermath, resources can promote healing.

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Community Service Boards

If you live in Virginia, reach out to your area Community Services Board (view map below) for clinical support services.

Receive free educational brochures on depression among youth, guides to suicide warning signs, tips on managing anxiety and grief that can be distributed to staff and families from your participating Community Services Board Prevention Services contact.

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Tips for Online Messaging

Access National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s guide, Online Postvention Manual for recommendations on managing safe social media postings after a suicide.

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Tips for Talking to Youth

Read and distribute Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers, available on the SAMHSA website.

Find a complete guide for best practices in After a Suicide, Toolkit for Schools, available as a pdf on the SAMHSA website.

Useful resources.