OSSE has partnered with the Light for Life Foundation to deliver suicide prevention staff training and student curriculum for elementary school. The “Be A Link! Community Gate Keeper Training” trains participants how to deliver intervention to school-based staff, parents/guardians and other adults on recognizing warning signs, risk factors and protective factors in youth, as well as how to initiate conversations about suicide and take appropriate supportive action. Participants will receive the Ask 4 Help prevention program to teach students in kindergarten to fifth grade how to identify signs of depression and suicide in themselves and their peers, and ingrain help-seeking behaviors in youth in the face of these concerns.
This training is only open to DC public and public charter elementary school staff and school-based behavioral health partners. OSSE encourages members of school behavioral health teams to attend. Schools must identify ONE staff member who will be the point of contact for their campus to receive the physical curriculum materials.