Suicide Prevention
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24. According to the 2021 Youth Risk Behavioral Survey in Tennessee, nearly 23% of Tennessee youth seriously considered suicide and 13% made an attempt with girls nearly doubling boys attempts. Almost all young people who are contemplating suicide show clear signs before the attempt. If educators are trained to recognize these signs, we have a good chance to identify and help at risk youth.
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Dial: 988
Suicide Prevention Training for Educators
In collaboration with The Jason Foundation and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Disabilities, the department is pleased to offer a web-based professional development training series in suicide prevention at no cost.
Access the professional development series here (you will need to register for a free account). After completing the training modules, you will be given a short assessment and receive a Certificate of Completion as proof of your training.
Public Chapter 623 provides that each local education agency shall adopt a policy on suicide prevention. To assist schools in their efforts to implement suicide prevention, intervention and postvention strategies. a sample district suicide policy is provided here.
Additional Resources
For more information on suicide prevention, visit the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.