OHIO: Butler County Students Continue Fighting for Suicide Prevention from Their Homes
April 24, 2020
A school-based suicide prevention program in Ohio has gone virtual. Members of the Lakota Hope Squad, a peer support program, are adapting to COVID-19 shutdowns by connecting with classmates remotely. To help identify and assist those at risk for suicide, the teens are reaching out to fellow students by text, phone call, and digital media. This form of connection is especially important during isolation. The Hope Squad is a key part of a larger effort to support students during the pandemic, said Lakota Schools spokesperson Betsy Fuller. “Lakota’s school counselors are also monitoring emails to provide support and reaching out to our families in need, while sharing coping strategies through social media.”
Spark Extra! Learn more about how schools can help prevent suicide.