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Hazelwood School District LifeLiners Offer Support to Students in Need
Members of the Hazelwood School District staff wear bright green t-shirts to remind students there is always hope.
Staff members at schools throughout the District have received specialized training to assist students who are, or may know someone, contemplating suicide. These staff members are a part of the SAVE a Life LifeLine program.
The HSD staff, known as LifeLiners, wore the neon green T-shirts throughout the week of Sept. 8 – 14, National Suicide Prevention Week, and all year to serve as “walking billboards” to advertise the National Suicide Prevention Hotline number: 1-800-273-TALK. The number is on the front of the shirt.
Mike Adam, social worker and HSD coordinator of the program, says the purpose of LifeLiners is to help prevent suicides. “Many of the staff at the middle and high schools have volunteered for this role because they want to help keep our students safe,” he explained.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2010, suicide was the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24.
The LifeLiner motto is Seriously listen, Acknowledge it’s real, Voice it to a LifeLiner, Enjoy the fact that you may have saved a life.
Adam says the motto reflects the generally recommended steps suggested by suicide prevention organizations to help someone who is expressing suicidal ideation or displaying suicide risk signs.
“The at-risk youth may confide in a friend or peer,” Adam said. “We want students to know what they should do if they are the confidant. Some schools use the Mental Health Screening Signs of Suicide Acknowledge, Care, and Tell (SOS ACT) program as a suicide prevention effort. The District’s Suicide Prevention Committee encourages secondary schools to use this program.”
It may be confusing for parents of teens to distinguish between the typical ups and downs of puberty from something much more serious. If parents have concerns about suicide, Adam says the direct approach is recommended.
“It may be difficult for parents and adults to confront openly and talk about suicide in the same way we can with threats such as accidents and other medical illnesses,” he continued. “Increased awareness about suicide and talking openly about it has been shown to make a difference in preventing suicide.”
This includes coming right out and asking the young person if he or she is considering suicide.
“If you are concerned about a child or peer possibly being suicidal, suicide prevention organizations indicate an adult or student should ask the at-risk youth directly if he/she is thinking of killing or harming themselves,” Adam stated.
HSD Student Services recommends several resources for those who may need help, including those listed below:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Life Crisis: 314-647-4357 (HELP)
Behavioral Health Response: 314-469-6644
Youth Connections: 314-628-2929
Youth Connections Text line: 4HLP to 31658
