This past Early Release Wednesday, the school counselors gave a presentation to the staff about suicide prevention. They presented suicide data at the professional development session so that all staff is aware of its importance.  The presentation was a part of the district Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Plan. The data presented comes from the Oregon Health Authority’s Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan.

According to the data, Oregon’s suicide rate has been higher than the national average for the past three decades. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Oregonians ages 15-34 years of age and is the eighth leading cause of death among all ages in Oregon. Our own Clackamas County has a higher suicide rate than Washington and Multnomah counties, and Clackamas County has a 16% higher rate of suicide than that of the national rate. 

Staff was taught ways to approach students with depression or suicidal thoughts and as well as ways to help them take the next steps to stay safe. Question, Persuade, Refer training was also offered to staff as a resource as well as the wider WLWV community – even students. QPR is similar to CPR, but for mental health, says counselor Alyson Leatherman.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, don’t be afraid to reach out to your counselor – they’re here to help.

Here are some resources that were provided and it is also available on the back of your student ID card

• Clackamas County Crisis Line: 503-655-8585

• • YouthLine:
    • Call: 1-877-968-8491
    • Text: teen2teen to 839863
    • Chat: oregonyouthline.org
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• The Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people age 13-24 years: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386)