In addition to acknowledging Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, the resolution also calls for an update to mental health resources and metrics throughout LAUSD. Additionally, the resolution will direct staff to inform parents more about mental health laws and education codes so they are aware of their rights and to attempt to destigmatize mental health challenges.
“It is important to keep our LAUSD community informed about mental health opportunities that are available to them,” said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Our community cannot wait any longer to receive updates on these opportunities. So, through this resolution, I hope the district responds adequately to the calls of everyone within LAUSD. Spending millions of dollars means we have to show some form of improvement in student, staff, and family mental health. This resolution is beyond simply acknowledging. It is about holding ourselves accountable.”
“Every student should know that they matter, that they are valued, and that they do not have to face difficult moments alone,” Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month is an important reminder that supporting our students’ mental health is part of our responsibility as educators and as a community. We must continue creating school environments where students feel safe asking for help and where trusted adults are prepared to listen, respond and connect students to the support they need.”
"Every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and connected to trusted adults," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. "Suicide prevention means investing in mental health services, early intervention, and school communities where students feel safe asking for help and know they are not alone."
“Recognizing October as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month is an important reminder that supporting the whole child means caring for their mental and emotional well-being just as much as their academic success,” said Board Member Sherlett Newbill. “This begins with school communities where students feel safe seeking help and adults are prepared to listen and support.”
“Student health and wellness is everyone’s responsibility,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “Supporting the whole child means investing in the PSWs, counselors, psychologists, and school teams who promote mental health, strengthen connection, and advance suicide awareness and prevention in our school communities. Together we can create safe, supportive environments where every student can thrive.”
“Our schools have an essential role to play in creating communities where students feel connected, supported, and able to ask for help,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “During Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, we recommit ourselves to recognizing warning signs, strengthening connections, and ensuring students know where to turn for support.”
“During Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, I want to remind our students, staff, and families they are not alone,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin. “We have a responsibility to ensure our mental health services and caring, supportive adults are accessible across our district. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one should have to navigate a difficult moment alone. Let’s continue building school communities where every person feels seen, supported, and heard.”
“As we confront the mental health challenges facing our youth, we must continue working to address the root causes of the crisis, while also ensuring that every student has access to counseling and support,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “This commemoration should also serve as an important reminder to lead with kindness and compassion, because we never know what struggles someone else may be facing.”
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