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
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...
You are the Face of Suicide Prevention
You are the one who makes a difference in our community by your example and support to MHAF’s work in suicide prevention. Our sponsors help support our mission to continue education in local schools to give our upcoming young adults the tools they need to identify signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers, as well as how to seek help.
Special thank you to our sponsor for the 2021 Another Day Walk for Suicide Prevention, SAARA of Virginia
You are the Face of Suicide Prevention
Another Day Walk to Stop Suicide was a positive and hopeful experience. Amy Jones, the Another Day Campaign co-coordinator declared that we all "are the face of suicide prevention,” and called each of us to spend more than just one day raising awareness and erasing...