September is Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month
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ESD 123 Student Support Department Newsletter

Suicide Prevention Month Hands Reaching Out to Help

Suicide Prevention Month

An annual month-long campaign to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma around the topic and encourage those in need to utilize available resources.
Register Now to Attend ESD123's Suicide Prevention Training October 20th

Networks for Life Suicide Prevention Training

October 20, 2021 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM at ESD 123 Pasco
Networks For Life is an OSPI-approved course that meets the requirement for a continuing certificate or the professional certificate (WAC 181-79A-221) for School Counselors, Psychologists, Nurses, and Social Workers. 
Questions? Contact Edona Tahiraj etahiraj@esd123.org or 509.412.2170

Know the Warning Signs

Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives:
  • A history of suicide attempt(s) 
  • Current talk of suicide or making a plan 
  • Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death 
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, or withdrawal
  • Increased alcohol and/or other substance use
  • Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye

If you notice warning signs, take the following steps:


SHOW YOU CARE - Listen empathically, acknowledge and validate their feelings, express your concern. Things you can say:

  • “It sounds like you are in a very difficult place right now”.
  • “I want to help. Tell me more about what’s happening”
  • “I have noticed that ____, and it makes me feel concerned about you because ____”
  • You’re not alone.  Let me help you.”
  • “I know where we can get some help.”
  • “Who are the 3 people in your life that you trust the most?”
ASK THE QUESTION - “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Follow-up with these three questions: 
  • Have you decided how you would kill yourself? 
  • Have you decided when you would do it? 
  • Have you taken any steps to secure the things you would need?
GET HELP - Make sure you have ready access to resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, as well as contact information for a mental health provider.
  • Call 911, if danger for self-harm seems imminent.
  • Stay with the person or make sure the person is in a private, secure place with another caring person until you can get further help.
  • Remove any objects that could be used in a suicide attempt.

Crisis Resources

Lourdes Health Crisis Services- 509-783-0500

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 800-273-8255 (English)
or 1-888-628-9454 (Español).

Crisis Text Line: Text HEAL to 741741.

SRO/SSO Safety Summit Training

ESD123 held our first School Resource Officer (SRO) and School Security Officer (SSO) safety summit training in August. We had over 65 participants from our region and others. ESD123 saw the need to assist districts with compliance around Engrossed Senate HB1214, which requires SRO/SSOs to be trained in 13 component areas within six months of students being present this school year. 
Going forward, ESD123 also will host check-ins over the school year, as required by HB1214, to assist SSOs with compliance as well. The safety summit not only offered training in all 13 component areas, but also was a opportunity for networking and new partnerships for school safety, putting kids first. A huge thank you to all in attendance!
Safety Sumnit attendees watching presentation Safety Summit Screen displaying assessment for risk of suicide or harm Presenters at Safety Summit
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The ESD 123 Student Support Department is here to provide you with assistance and additional resources as needed. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or needs.
Dana Camarena
ESD 123 Director of Student Support 

ESD 123 Student Support Department | 3924 W Court St | Pasco, WA 99301 www.esd123.org

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