By George Yin,
Staff Writer
For Yellow Ribbon Week, the Mental Health Committee is hosting suicide prevention awareness events from Sept. 26 to 30. Yellow Ribbon’s suicide prevention program educates students about prevention and awareness, directing callers in crisis to 988.
1-800-273-8255, the number on the back of students’ ID cards, direct callers to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. On July 16, the United States transferred and renamed the Hotline to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
“This easy-to-remember hotline is a good resource for those who need it,” counselor Nate Slaymaker said. “If students feel that they need mental health support, they should exhaust all resources available, including this number.”
This three-digit number works similarly to the 911 emergency number; both provide a quick number to dial in moments of crisis. The ten-digit phone number on student ID cards is still available and ready for use along with 988.
988 connects callers with trained mental health counselors that help guide the caller out of a crisis. 988 offers translation services in over 250 languages and operates 13 call centers in California. The introduction of 988 brought to light preceding precautions before dialing the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Based on staffing levels, operating hours, excessive call volumes and service areas, Lifeline wait times can fluctuate. In some instances, people who dialed 988 experienced extensive hold times.
If a situation deems life-threatening, counselors transfer calls to dispatchers that connect law enforcement and emergency medical services.
Despite the precautions regarding dialing 988, students can still rely on the Lifeline as a mental health resource.
At TCHS, there are also alternative mental health programs available for students and staff. Peer Listeners is a program that trains students in active listening, conflict resolution and suicide prevention assistance.
“We’re trying to make a difference. We try to do good things for the community of our campus. Teachers can refer students and students can refer a friend,” Peer Listener program director/facilitator Susan Hook said. “We’re working on wellness. We’ve saved lives over the years just by listening to someone. It’s a simple concept that is very powerful.”
The Mental Health Committee is a student-run organization that promotes and educates students about mental health through resource provisions and infographics. The Mental Health Committee posted their Yellow Ribbon Week activity schedules on their Instagram, @tcusdmentalhealth.
“Our main goals are to get all staff, parents and students properly educated on mental health topics, ensure all students have easy access to adequate support and mental health resources and reduce the negative stigma surrounding health support,” Mental Health Committee co-chair Chelsea Fung said. “We’re planning on events such as lunchtime activities, presentations, the annual mental health fair and focusing on different mental health topics as well as building student connections with counselors.”