FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Silvia K. Martinez;
[email protected]213-241-8333
Los Angeles Unified Designates September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
LOS ANGELES, CA (August 22, 2023) — The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson, and co-sponsored by Board President Jackie Goldberg, Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas and Board Member Kelly Gonez, recognizing the entire month of September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month while recognizing National Suicide Prevention Week at Los Angeles Unified during the week of September 10-16.
The adoption of this resolution encourages all students, faculty, administrators and parents to promote a climate of positive behavior support and intervention; monitor students’ emotional state and well-being; and make referrals for crisis support and mental health, as needed.
The resolution also calls for the Superintendent to report to the Board within 90 days on the process of hiring Psychiatric Social Workers (PSW) and School Psychologists and explore regional partnerships with colleges, universities and workforce pathways.
“Talking about mental health and suicide awareness is a difficult but necessary conversation to have,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Our students need to feel welcomed in our schools and promoting a positive environment is the first step to ensuring their safety and social emotional well-being. Together, let’s continue to raise awareness and advocate for more mental health resources for our students, families and communities.”
“The scourge of mental health anguish, depression and suicide is exacting an ineffable affliction on our youth across the nation,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “While the pandemic is not solely to blame, the rates of mental health distress have exploded since 2020 and it is past time we acknowledge the multifaceted catastrophe confronting our youth. Los Angeles Unified will respond to this moment and is providing students an untold number of resources to provide support amidst isolation, sadness and loneliness.”
“When people are in crisis, just knowing they have someone to talk to can make all the difference,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “I’m proud that Los Angeles Unified is establishing September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and I very much look forward to the upcoming report on the efforts to fully staff our schools of psychiatric social workers and school psychologists.”
"I am honored to co-sponsor this resolution that puts the mental health and wellbeing of our community above all else,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “Awareness is the first step in reframing our approach to prevention so that we provide timely support to students in need. With this resolution, the District reaffirms that our schools are places of healing, growth and support."
“Our first priority as a school district is the safety of our students and that includes supporting our students’ socioemotional wellness,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “By recognizing Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, we are working to reduce lingering stigmas around mental health and promote a more caring and empathetic school climate.”
“Every time we lose a child to suicide, our District family suffers a tremendous loss,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Our communities miss out on the opportunity to actualize the full potential of who our children can be. Our obligation as educators is to do all that we can to keep our students safe, affirmed and valued in our schools. When we foster an environment that allows our students to feel safe and trust our employees, we can do all that is in our power to support our students when challenges arise. All District employees are committed to addressing the needs of the whole child in our schools. We are united in our effort to mitigate suicide.”
“We know that the pandemic heightened the mental health crisis in this country, and that it’s especially prevalent amongst our youth,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “So, as we raise awareness for the importance of suicide prevention, I want any of our students experiencing any feelings of overwhelming sadness or depression to know that you are not alone and things will get better, and that you can always talk to a trusted adult to get the support you need. I also hope this can serve as a reminder to all of us to be kind—you never know what battles those around you might be facing.”
“With suicide being the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults, we must to stand together to raise awareness, remove stigmas and support our students' mental health and well-being,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin said. “The impact of suicidal behavior can be devastating for our students, families and communities leading to long-lasting emotional and physical trauma. I am grateful to our staff for building trusting relationships and connections that serve as protective barriers to ensure our students receive individualized support and resources.”
“Mental health awareness has been and continues to be a topic of foremost importance among Los Angeles Unified youth; we appreciate our Board's efforts to acknowledge, educate and support the mental well-being of students,” Student Board Member Karen Ramirez said. “By recognizing September as Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month, Los Angeles Unified acknowledges the crucial role educational institutions play in supporting students' mental health, and is fulfilling its commitment to create an educational environment that keeps students safe and prepares them for success.”