EVIDENCE-BASED SUICIDE PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOLS

The SOS Signs of Suicide^® Program is the only school-based suicide prevention program to:

• Show a reduction (by 40%) in self-reported suicide attempts in a randomized controlled study
  (BMC Public Health, July 2007)
• Selected by SAMHSA for its National Registry of Effective Programs and Practices (NREPP) that addresses suicide risk and depression, while reduction suicide attempts.

What is the SOS Signs of Suicide^® Prevention Program?
It is an evidence-based, cost-effective program of suicide prevention and mental health screening for secondary schools. This program is easily implemented by existing school personnel during one or two school periods.

SOS empowers students by:

• Helping teens understand the important connection between undiagnosed, untreated mental illness and suicide
• Teaching teens the Signs of Suicide
• Outlining action steps for dealing with these signs as a mental health emergency

What is the goal of the SOS Program?
The SOS Program teaches teens that depression is a treatable illness and empowers them to respond to a potential suicide of a friend or family member by using the ACT technique:

• Acknowledge the signs of suicide
• Respond with Care
• Tell a trusted adult

How is the SOS Program implemented?
School personnel use the materials provided by the SOS Program. The main components include:

1. DVD and Discussion Guide
   This is the primary teaching tool, which describes the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide. It illustrates the right and wrong way for students to respond.


2. Depression Screening
   The High School Program utilizes The Brief Screen for Adolescent Depression (BSAD) helps students identify whether they may be suffering from depression and should seek help. The middle school program uses a similar, age appropriate screening tool, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC).


3. Opportunity for Consultation with School Professional
   Students are encouraged to speak with a school professional if they are concerned about themselves or a friend.
   
   The program also provides education materials for parents and school personnel.

For more information visit: www.MentalHealthScreening.org/Schools