Urbandale Community School District: Suicide Prevention: You Are Not Alone

Press release from the Urbandale Community School District:

December 9th, 2021

The health and well-being of our students are top priorities. We strive to ensure all students feel heard, understood and valued. We care deeply about every single student which is why we believe it’s important to raise awareness and build understanding for suicide prevention.

Learn About Suicide Prevention:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• Youth Suicide Warning Signs
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• National Alliance on Mental Illness

In this 4-minute video produced by the Mayo Clinic, teens describe common signs of a young person who may be considering suicide and also provide tips on how parents can talk with their children about this topic. Please view and share.

1) SAP – Student Assistance Program
All Urbandale students and their families have access to the student assistance program. You do not need a referral. You can call the number directly, let them know you are an Urbandale School family, and request assistance.

• No-cost assessment, referral and short-term counseling for students and their family members for issues such as stress, school concerns, family and other relationship concerns, substance use, self-esteem struggles, and any other concern affecting individual or family well-being.
• Telephone support 24 hours/day, every day of the year.
• Counseling provided in Spanish and English.
• Telephone support and scheduling: (515) 244-6090.
• Learn more about the program by viewing the Student Assistance Program flyer

2) Michele Hamilton, Coordinator of Student, Family, and Community Services (CSFCS)
The CSFCS works for Urbandale Community Schools. Michele coordinates mental health services for children and families and connects families to needed resources in the community. To reach Michele, please call: 515-402-8538 or email: hamiltonm@urbandaleschools.com

3) Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline website includes links to get help and learn more about suicide symptoms and prevention. There are instructions for access to the lifeline for hearing impaired individuals. There is also a chat feature. Call: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

4) Your Life Iowa
Your Life Iowa is a 24 hour help line with text and chat capabilities. It provides suicide support, bullying support, and other resources for parents and students. It includes warning signs, risk factors, and how to support others.

You are not alone. Please reach out. We will help you get through this.
You are not alone.

This press release was produced by the Urbandale Community School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.