Note From Counselor/Nurse

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal

Mental Health Resources - May is Mental Health Month

We want to take the opportunity to share resources for elementary, middle and high school counselors and other educators to support Mental Health Month. In the recent OSPI survey of school counselors statewide about topics for the upcoming Summer Institutes, mental health was the number one requested topic. We do plan to have as much information as possible at these institutes, especially designed for elementary, middle and high school counselors on June 23 in Spokane and June 29 in Olympia. The information and registrations can be found on WSCA website (Western WA) or on ESD 101 website (Eastern WA.

Links and resources:

ASCA has a variety of Mental Health Resources. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/school-counselors-members/professional-development/learn-more/student-mental-health-resources

At OSPI Mental Health and Schools http://www.k12.wa.us/mentalhealthandschools/default.aspxoffers statistics and resources for school counselors and educational leaders. Under a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support model lens, a Spotlight on Mental Health is a visual that can be used in schools with PBIS enphasis.http://www.k12.wa.us/MTSS/pubdocs/MTSSMentalHealth.pdf The Coordinated School Health site has additional resources related to the whole child.http://www.k12.wa.us/CoordinatedSchoolHealth/ Under OSPI Student Support the Compassionate Schools Initiative has additional resources. http://www.k12.wa.us/CompassionateSchools/Resources.aspx

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention webinar includes co-presenters from the American School Counselor Association and National Association of School Psychologists.  May is Mental Health Month.  https://afsp.org/campaigns/look-ways-mental-health-awareness-month-2017/?utm_source=All+Subscribers&utm_campaign=5b5e223ddc-13_Reasons&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_3fbf9113af-5b5e223ddc-382716757

From Neetha Mony, WA Department of Health 
If you work with youth you’re probably familiar with the concern around the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why”. The positive outcome is that this show has reached more people and generated more media attention around suicide than many of our efforts. This is an opportunity for us and our communities to have conversations with youth and ensure that they (and everyone watching the show) know where they can find help if needed.

Many agencies have provided resources to help viewers, the media, educators, and parents discuss the show. Last week, AFSP held a webinar with over 2000 attendees (maximum capacity). For those of us who couldn’t attend, you can find the link to the recording here.

Neetha is collecting a list of resources and action steps that individuals, schools, parents, and those in the media can use. Here are the lists she has so far and feel free to send her more. Contact information is below.

For viewers:
• JED Foundation and SAVE: Talking Points 
• 2nd response from JED Foundation

For parents and educators:
• Forefront's (out of UW) Media Statement
• National Association of School Psychologists: Considerations for educators
• Teen Line: Help for Parents and Educators
• Headspace’s guide to talking with youth about the show (from Australia)

For the media:
• Forefront's (out of UW) Media Statement
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s Framework for Successful Messaging
• SPRC’s Safe and Effective Messaging guidelines