Jordan School District launches suicide prevention effort

Jun 15, 2018, 8:21 AM

Traffic Reporter

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

NAMI Utah: namiut.org
Utah Chapter-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsputah.com
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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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