Comprehensive School Program

The Maine Suicide Prevention Program strongly recommends that schools implement all of the following components as part of a broad-based prevention program.

The MSPP provides training and has developed resource material for schools interested in adopting this approach.

  1. Administrative Protocols to guide effective responses to suicidal behavior in troubled students, in those who threaten or attempt suicide, and others potentially at risk in the aftermath of a student death by suicide.
  1. Agreements with Crisis Service Providers that outline prevention and intervention services to be provided to the school.
  1. A School Community knowledgeable about suicide prevention:  First, key staff attend Gatekeeper Training.  Some of those Gatekeepers then attend a "Training-of Trainers" (1/2 day program) to learn how to present a 60-90 minute "Suicide Prevention Awareness Training" to ALL school staff.    Health teachers attend both Gatekeeper Training and the Lifelines Teacher Training to learn how to teach youth about suicide.
  1. Designated school personnel are available at each building to help to intervene, screen, refer etc.
  1. Suicide prevention education for students. 

    Classes that promote help-seeking behaviors and are facilitated by faculty who are trained to deliver the lessons.  This step is recommended ONLY after all other steps are in place. These classes promote help-seeking behaviors and are facilitated by faculty who are trained to deliver the lessons. This step is recommended ONLY after all other steps are in place.

  1. A range of responsive support services such as Student Assistant Team, substance abuse services, Reconnecting Youth, school based or linked mental health services, School Resource Officers.
  1. A school climate that promotes safety and respect for all.

 

For more information, contact:
Greg Marley
NAMI-Maine
1 Bangor Street,
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: 207-622-5767
E-mail: gmarley@namimaine.org

Or fill out our Request for Information Form.