The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency (OJJDP) Tribal Youth Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Center partnered with the Western Minnesota Collaborative (a collaborative comprised of 10 school in West Central Minnesota) to provide suicide prevention and postvention resources to over 600 school personnel. Minnesota law encourages suicide prevention training for all school personnel. During the 12th Annual Western Minnesota Collaborative In-Service held in Morris, Minnesota, Technical and Training Coordinator Erin Thin Elk trained over 70 teachers in accessing At-Risk for High School Educators. This interactive role play simulation builds awareness, knowledge, and skills about mental health and suicide prevention, and prepares users to lead real-life conversations with students that build resilience, strengthen relationships, and connect them with support.
The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) reports suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24 according to the latest data from 2016. We all play a part in preventing suicide. As a member of the school community, educators are in an idea position to engage in early intervention and prevention of youth mental health issues. If your state mandates or encourages suicide prevention training, or if you would like to support suicide prevention efforts in your community, please visit our website at https://www.tribalyouthprogram.org/training-opportunities/virtual-training-simulation-modules/ to learn more on how our resources can support your efforts.
