Suicide Prevention Newsletter
September 2023
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
During the month of September, we send this newsletter to inform guardians and community members of how Cypress-Fairbanks ISD works to prevent and respond to suicide risk in children and adolescents, and how you can do the same.
What to expect in this newsletter:
A look at CFISD's efforts to prevent suicide.
Information about what you can do to help prevent suicide.
HOW DOES CFISD WORK TO PREVENT SUICIDE IN THE SCHOOLS?
CFISD recognizes that suicide is the second leading cause of death for school-age students, and we are dedicated to working with families, community partners, and state and national agencies to prevent youth suicide.
At the community level, CFISD’s Guidance & Counseling, Psychological Services & Police departments discuss and provide mental health resources. Each year, the district hosts a Community Mental Health Resource Fair to connect CFISD families with the wonderful mental health professionals we have in our area. This year's Resource Fair will take place on December 6, 2023, 3:30 - 6:30 at the Berry Center (see below for the event flyer).
At the district level, specialists in school suicide prevention regularly review research, best-practice recommendations, and legal requirements.
At the school level, CFISD’s suicide prevention program follows a multi-tiered, team-based approach to keeping students safe:
DISTRICT AND SCHOOL STAFF WHO MAY WORK WITH ME OR MY CHILD DURING A SUICIDE RISK SCREENING AND INTERVENTION.
School Counselors
Psychological Service Providers
CFISD Police Officers
Mental Health Intervention Team
Click here to find out more about these district professionals and the trainings they receive!
HOW CAN PARENTS AND GUARDIANS HELP PREVENT SUICIDE?
Suicide can be prevented. We recognize that sometimes there are clear signs that a child needs mental health support; however, it’s not always obvious and we shouldn’t expect them to always ask for help directly. It is important that parents and other caregivers be aware of the common warning signs of suicide. According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, the following signs are indications that your child may be at immediate risk:
talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
looking for a way to kill oneself (for example, searching online to obtain a gun)
talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
If you notice any of the above three warning signs, you should immediately call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contact a mental health professional.
Click here to find out about other signs that may indicate your child or youth is at serious risk.
HOW CAN PARENTS AND GUARDIANS HELP PREVENT SUICIDE?
CFISD produced a 3-part video series for parents (linked below) to help you learn the warning signs, ways to respond if you are concerned, and how to work with your child’s school to get support.
Sucide Prevention: Keeping your child safe (Part 1: About Suicide)
Suicide Prevention: Keeping your child safe (Part 2: Warning Signs & Prevention)
Suicide Prvention: Keeping your child safe (Part 3: School & Where to Get Help)
HOW CAN I KEEP MY CHILD SAFE AT HOME?
It is important to take steps to keep children safe at home. Increasing monitoring and limiting their access to potentially lethal means are two vital steps to protecting those who have exhibited warning signs. Below you will find a brief guide to suicide prevention and controlling access to lethal means.
Click here to find the nearest Controlled Substance Public Disposal Location.
Where can I get more information?
You can connect with the many mental health professionals in the Cy-Fair area at CFISD's annual Community Mental Health Resource Fair.
In addition to the mental health professionals at the campus and district level, there are several local, state, and national organizations dedicated to preventing suicide. Click on the links below to learn more.