Suicide Prevention Education
The Suicide Prevention Education Program partners with local schools and youth organizations to present an engaging, evidence-based curriculum that teaches middle and high school students how to identify the signs and symptoms of suicide and depression and what they can do to get help. The curriculum used is Signs of Suicide (SOS), developed by Screening for Mental Health, Inc. It is listed on SAMSHA’S National Registry of evidence-based programs and practices for high school, while the middle school program is considered best practice. Students are taught that suicide is not a normal response to stress, but is a preventable tragedy that can be a result of untreated depression. An easy-to-remember acronym, ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell), equips students with steps they can take if they require help for themselves or friends. Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAfred) can work with schools and youth organizations in Virginia Planning District 16 (Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford). If you would like more information about how to bring this program to your school or your community, contact our Suicide Prevention Education Coordinator below.
Teen Council
The Mental Health America of Fredericksburg (MHAfred) Teen Council actively works towards spreading awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health in our schools and community. Our focus is to educate, raise awareness and give teens a voice. It is open to teens currently enrolled in a high school program in Planning District 16 (Fredericksburg, Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford). All volunteer hours count towards official community service activity.
The Teen Council is currently suspended due to the pandemic. For more information, contact our Suicide Prevention Education Coordinator below.
Related Blogs
988 Launching July 16, 2022
The 988 Mental Health Crisis Hotline launches across the United States on July 16, 2022. 988 will make it easier for people experiencing mental distress to reach trained crisis counselors. While the existing suicide prevention hotline number (1-800-273-8255) will...
Crisis is ‘Here Now’
MHAfred and some of our local partners are in the news. Click here to read the recent article in the Free Lance Star about the increased demand for suicide prevention education.
Look What You’ve Helped Us Do!
Look what you've helped us do: Hundreds helped! Thanks to our donors and volunteers, we are part of the solution! Two articles about MHAfred, reported by Cathy Dyson in the Freelance Star, October 5, 2021 From the Article: Mental health providers can't meet growing...