Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Oklahoma youth ages 10-24 years, while Oklahoma ranks 14th in the nation for the number of deaths by suicide. At the high school level, NPS partners with Heartline to provide the Healthy Education for Life Program (HELP). The program increases student awareness about the signs of suicide as well as teaching them when and how to seek help. It is presented to ninth graders by trained Heartline volunteers.
At the middle school level, the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program is presented to seventh graders. SOS teaches the signs of suicide and encourages help-seeking by students for themselves or for a friend. Students learn the action steps to take in order to get help. ACT: Acknowledge that your friend has a problem, express that you Care, and Tell a trusted adult. School counselors conduct the SOS program in the classrooms.
Prior to the suicide prevention presentations, parents receive a letter which informs them of this sensitive topic, and the dates which have been scheduled. A form is provided for parents who do not wish for their child to participate in the presentations.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
HeartLine Oklahoma's Community Crisis Connection
Screening for Mental Health