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Suicide Prevention

Contact(s)

Crisis Lines

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide, substance use crisis or any other kind of emotional distress.

Hopeline

Text "HOPELINE" to 741741 or go to https://centerforsuicideawareness.org/ for 24/7 free trained crisis counselors.

National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

The Trevor Lifeline

1-866-581-8111 (call 24/7)
855-895-TEXT(8398) (text 2pm-10pm)

An Iowa resource that provides 24/7 support via phone call, and support via text from 2-10 p.m. daily.

National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)

Comprehensive Suicide Prevention and Intervention During the Time of Distant Learning

Protocols and Training Guidance Available

In 2018, the Iowa Legislature passed Senate File 2113 requiring protocols and school employee training relating to suicide prevention and postvention, identification of adverse childhood experiences, and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response. The requirements of Senate File 2113, Iowa Code 279.70 and Iowa Administrative Code 281-14.4 apply to all public school districts in Iowa. The school district’s board must require annual training by July 1, 2019. The trainings do not have to occur until after July 1, 2019, and must be provided annually. School districts have the authority to select the evidence-based, evidence-supported training that best meets the needs of their district.

Guidance for protocols and training for suicide prevention and postvention, adverse childhood experiences identification and strategies to mitigate toxic stress response

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is an 8-hour course designed to teach parents, family members, teachers, school staff, neighbors, and other caring adults about (1) the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, (2) the importance of early intervention, and (3) how to help an adolescent experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. The course is focused on information participants can use to help youth ages 12-18.  YMHFA an be taught in one 8-hour day or two 4-hour days.

For more information how your district or organization can receive training in YMHFA, contact:

Nancy Hunt
YMHFA Coordinator
515-326-1031
nancy.hunt@iowa.gov

Suicide Toolkits for Schools

After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools

Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools

Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention

Iowa Resources and Information

Iowa Department of Public Health: Suicide Prevention Priorities

Iowa Plan for Suicide Prevention

Iowa Talk Force Report: Suicide Prevention and Trauma-Informed Care

Your Life Iowa

Resources about the Netflix series "13 Reasons Why"

From Suicide Prevention Organizations

From Other Mental Health/Professional Organizations