FHSD hosts Community Forum to offer additional suicide resources
Since the recent suicides of two Turpin students, the Forest Hills School District has extensively reviewed resources from direct service providers, engaged in conversations with experts, sought feedback from parents and students and, most importantly, has worked to ensure students’ needs are addressed. The community continues to have many questions regarding support for students and parents. The Forest Hills School District has been asked to continue to provide suicide prevention resources and opportunities to raise awareness and education on the topic of suicide.
FHSD has planned an important session for the community to learn from local experts about suicide and the process of grieving. There will be an opportunity for parents and community members to ask questions and receive resources from direct service providers within the community.
Please plan to attend a Community Forum on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 at Nagel Middle School (Cafetorium).
Dr. Jennifer Wright-Berryman (Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of Cincinnati and Grant Us Hope) will facilitate the forum. Dr. Wright-Berryman is a mental health and suicide researcher with over eighteen years of experience in interpersonal clinical and community-based practices. She is the chair of the University of Cincinnati Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Task Force and is a member of the Ohio State Prevention Stakeholder Group through the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation. Additional experts from grief support organizations will also be supporting this important event. Following the forum, the district plans to provide a recorded video link for those interested
Please review the important resources below that are informative and helpful for students and families. In addition, district representatives have received many inquiries related to whom community members can donate monetary contributions in support of suicide prevention and awareness. The district finds it important to contribute to those organizations whose mission is focused on direct service provision for students and families.
We continue to emphasize that suicide prevention requires a community effort and a persistence of hope and support. This is a community health issue and the district is approaching this as such. Your outreach and support is overwhelming and appreciated. We live in a great community of caring and concerned people!
If you would like to contribute donations in support of our community, please consider our school district partners. These organizations are currently providing mental wellness and education/awareness to our families and students:
Hope Squad is a school-based, peer-to-peer, suicide prevention program for students with a three-year curriculum that emphasizes suicide prevention fundamentals, self-care and anti-bullying. Grant Us Hope is also partnering with our school district to facilitate the important collaboration of community stakeholders to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
Child Focus, Inc. (CFI) offers a wide range of mental health services. They recognize the importance of identifying and treating mental health issues as early as possible. Child Focus is providing school-based services in FHSD.
Fernside, established in 1986, as the nation's second oldest children's grief center, remains today a national leader in providing grief support services, and outreach and education to the community and families. Fernside has provided and will provide small group grief counseling in our schools.
Companions on a Journey offers support to anyone who has suffered the death of a loved one. The feelings that come with grief can cause a person to feel numb, lost, alone, angry and confused. Ongoing support and life balance are provided for the bereaved in families, schools, businesses and organizations, with faith, hope and love; one child, one teen, one adult, one family at a time.
Additional Resources:
Parent Toolkit How To Talk To Children About Suicide: An Age-By-Age Guide
