Statewide school program in Idaho aims to prevent suicide
January 31, 2014
Together, the Idaho Department of Education and the Suicide Prevention Action Network of Idaho are introducing a statewide program intended to prevent suicides among young people ages 10 to 24. The Idaho Lives Project is being launched in eight pilot schools this year. “The goal is to leverage and utilize a student’s group of friends to cultivate antidotes to suicidal ideation,” said Matt McCarter, Department of Education student engagement director. “We work…to determine how we can make every student feel like they belong and are a resource in that school.” Each participating school receives support to put in place Sources of Strength, a suicide prevention program that uses peer social networks to reduce bullying, substance abuse, and suicide. Officials selected schools for the program based on a history of youth suicide and student demographics that show a higher risk among the student body. The program helps instructors recognize the warning signs of suicide and create plans to intervene. Training is also offered to community gatekeepers such as doctors, mental health therapists, coaches, parents, and student support groups.
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