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MENTAL HEALTH

Jordan School District launches suicide prevention effort

UPDATED: JUNE 15, 2018 AT 8:21 AM
BY
KSLNewsRadio

HERRIMAN — The Jordan School District is taking concrete steps to prevent suicides after the deaths of seven students in the last year.

The Board of Education is using part of its $710,000,000 budget to hire 36 psychologists for each of the 36 elementary schools in the Jordan district. Board member Bryce Dunford told the Deseret News the budget reflects priorities and the times we live in.

 

42 children, one as young as 10, took their lives in 2017 in the state of Utah and the Board says more mental health experts are needed. Dunford says school principals already wear too many hats.

If there’s any money left in the budget, the district hopes to add more school hall monitors and training for all school personnel.

Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Crisis Hotlines
  • Utah County Crisis Line: 801-691-5433
  • Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
  • Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online resources
Mobile Apps
  SafeUT App
Warning signs & what to do if someone needs help
Warning signs of suicide
  • Talking about wanting to die
  • Looking for a way to kill oneself
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or feeling isolated
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Displaying extreme mood swings
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.

Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. 

What to do if you see warning signs of suicide
  • Do not leave the person alone
  • Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
  • Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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