C2 - Systemwide School-based Suicide Prevention: Zero Suicide in Schools

This session will engage participants in establishing a systemwide approach to suicide prevention in schools and the role of community mental health agencies in supporting these efforts. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. Suicide rates and behaviors have been rising in populations with historically lower rates of suicide events such as African American boys with rising rates of death by suicide, and increasing suicide attempts, particularly by female, non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black youth. Further, suicide thoughts and distress impacts youth with 22% reporting seriously considering attempting suicide and 42% experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness. 47% of students who identify as LGBTQI report having seriously considered suicide.

Multi-Tiered Suicide Prevention (MTSP) for Schools, is based on the MTSS framework, and establishes stronger policies, protocols, preparedness, and trainings for youth suicide prevention. For education systems, tier 1 efforts establish comprehensive social emotional learning and student wellness infrastructure critical for foundational upstream prevention for suicide. Tier 2 presents opportunities to offer early intervention to at-risk youth such as supportive groups and counseling. For those youth who have expressed thoughts of suicide, evidence-based interventions that target and reduce that risk must be implemented. Research suggests that most people do not need hospitalization for suicide risk, and in fact hospitalization can be iatrogenic. Waiting periods to see providers in the community can be very long and school-based mental health clinicians, school counselors, nurses, and other health care supports in the school can and should be able to provide evidence-based suicide care practices that mitigate risk. When none are available, strong relationships with community mental health agencies who can see the student and work closely with the school are necessary.

This presentation will discuss a whole of school approach that incorporates both upstream and universal approaches as well as indicated clinical care approaches for those at risk as the ideal way to prevent suicide in youth.