Deer Lakes

School District

Suicide Prevention & Awareness

Suicide Awareness & Prevention Education

Act 71 was signed into law in Pennsylvania on June 26, 2014.

This law, which added to the PA School Code, specifically requires school entities to: (1) adopt a youth suicide awareness and prevention (see DLSD's policy); and (2) provide ongoing professional development in youth suicide awareness and prevention for professional educators in building serving students in grades 6-12. Additionally, Section 1526 specifically permits school entities to incorporate curriculum on this topic into their instructional programs pursuant to their youth suicide awareness and prevention polices.

The Deer Lakes School District provides training to the district personnel in compliance with Act 71. In addition to the current district mental health programming, starting in February 2021, the Deer Lakes High School began implementing the Signs of Suicide (SoS) Program.

The following information are resources from the SoS Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Parent Information on Signs of Suicide Program

SoS Parent Training and Resources

SoS Parent Webpage

The parent webpage for the SoS Program provides a video training as well as information on how to spot signs, use a screening tool, and talk to your child.

SoS Parent Training

The SOS Signs of Suicide team hosted a webinar that overviewed parents' important role in youth suicide prevention. This 30-minute video for parents educates on the risk factors and warning signs of depression and suicide how to ACT.

Counseling Resources
Here is a list of local agencies that provide counseling. The information has been updated to reflect the current service delivery model as a result of COVID-19.

COMING SOON: Letter to Parents and Referral Link

As the district implements SoS, the principal's letter to high school parents will be uploaded on this webpage. The form that students and others can use to request to talk to a school staff member will also be shared.

Crisis Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis NOW immediately:

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Text HOME to 741741 at any time from anywhere in the U.S. to reach the confidential Crisis Text Line to speak to a Crisis Counselor.

Call the local Resolve Crisis Center at 1-888-796-8226.

Additional Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by funding research, educating the public, advocating for public policies, and supporting survivors.

Prevent Suicide PA

Mission - To support those who are affected by suicide, provide education, awareness, and understanding by collaborating with the community to prevent suicide, and reduce the stigma associated with suicide.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

Provides resources to educators and other stakeholders on youth and adult suicide prevention.

Services for Teens At Risk (STAR)

A comprehensive research, treatment, and training center. The program provides individual assessment and treatment to teens. They also provide community education services about depression and suicidality.

The Trevor Project

Leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide

A video for parents and other caretakers titled, "Not My Kid: What Every Parent Should Know".

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