To assist school administrators in helping students with serious emotional at-risk behaviors, e.g., suicidal ideation, as the students begin the summer recess by providing guidelines for students, parents, and mental health professionals.

• The information and procedures provided are in direct response to a growth of suicide rates within our own district.  Economic hardships place significant stress on families, including children.  Crisis events are often associated with increased suicide risk.
• Research does show that roughly nine out of ten adolescents who die by suicide give clues to others before their suicidal attempt.  
• Request the mental health professionals (counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, trust specialist) assigned to your school to identify students who have displayed emotional at-risk behaviors and to assist the student and/or parent in developing a mental health safety net for the summer. Please share attached “Suicide Prevention Information” with your mental health staff.
• An M-DCPS district emergency hot-line has been established for the summer recess for parents or students to call for support. (305-995-1806)
• Please send the attached letter on your school’s letterhead along with the attachments (Mental Health Centers and Crisis Units and Community Mental Health Service Providers) to all of your parents/guardians before the end of school.  The letter provides information and resources for parents/guardians they may need to access during the summer recession or during the school year.  It has been drafted in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole.
• In response to the growing emotional needs of students and families, the district will be planning and engaging in professional development activities to further prevention efforts and assisting the identification and provision of services of at-risk students.

Letter home regarding Suicide Prevention (English, Espanol, Kreyol)

List of Mental Health Centers and Crisis Units

Suicide Prevention Fact Sheet