Suicide Prevention

In this episode about suicide prevention, Alexis talks with Leslie Rogers, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Leslie is currently a Safety and Wellness Educator on Special Assignment in the Beaverton School District and has had a long career dedicated to the well-being of teenagers. In her current role, she oversees and implements policies and protocols related to suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. She also provides coaching and consultations, especially with difficult student situations, and assesses student threat situations.

Leslie shares helpful wisdom for school and college employees. For example, she talks about reducing stigma around suicide and mental health issues. She also emphasizes that prevention and early intervention are about educating and equipping every person in schools to be a resource for students. We aren’t all social workers or therapists, but we can all notice changes and engage with students who show worrisome changes.

Alexis and Leslie also sing the praises of school social workers, whose magic is understanding family systems as well as working side by side with parents and guardians to navigate resources. They also discuss the power of teamwork in schools and the importance of showing up for each other. And to remember that behavior is communication. 

 

Resources:

988 - dial 988 for a Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

QPR

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST) - Living Works

Adi’s Act Combat Oregon Teen Suicide Rates- Franklin High School Post

McKinney-Vento Act: Homeless Education Program

OHSU Intercultural Psychiatry Clinic

Erika’s Lighthouse - Free depression and suicide prevention support to schools

Oregon Youth Line - Free teen-to-teen crisis support