BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Health has released new training resources for educators to help prevent suicide in students. The state’s new action plan aims to equip K-12 public and private schools with the necessary tools to effectively prevent, intervene and respond to suicide in schools.

The Maryland Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Schools was developed in collaboration with experts, school and community partners and suicide loss survivors and includes training materials for school administrators, mental health professionals, teachers and staff, students and peer, parents and caregivers.

According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, youth suicide rates are increasing in Maryland and across the nation. In 2021, 16 children died of suicide and 2 were suicide survivors in Maryland. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 24 and the 16th leading cause of death for all ages in Maryland.

“As parents ourselves, we know how hard our schools are working to protect our youth and help them flourish, this is just one more tool in their toolbox,” said Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Alyssa Lord. “Each section addresses the specific needs and roles of its target audiences, ensuring that all members of the school community are prepared to respond, or identify additional supports, to effectively to suicide-related crises.”

The Maryland Department of Health’s website also has resources for parents and caregivers on how to create a safer home environment and tips for ensuring safety in case of a suicide attempt.

“Schools in partnership with parents and community and state agencies can make a difference and prevent youth suicide,” said Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, Maryland Health Secretary. “I’ve been working on youth suicide prevention and providing schools practical prevention tools for more than 40 years and applaud the dedication to youth suicide prevention from the state of Maryland.”

The Maryland Action Plan to Prevent Suicide in Schools was developed by the Department’s Office of Suicide Prevention in partnership with experts Dr. Scott Poland and Dr. Donna Poland with feedback from school and community partners and suicide loss survivors. Training and technical assistance is available.

“Schools in partnership with parents and community and state agencies can make a difference and prevent youth suicide,” said Dr. Scott Poland. “I’ve been working on youth suicide prevention and providing schools practical prevention tools for more than 40 years and applaud the dedication to youth suicide prevention from the state of Maryland.”

In addition to the school-specific resource, the Department’s Behavioral Health Administration continues suicide prevention work for all Marylanders. Additional information is available online at health.maryland.gov/suicideprevention.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via Maryland Department of Health