As reported in The Marin Independent Journal, educators and mental health professionals presented ideas yesterday at a forum aimed at coping with and preventing teen suicides. The gathering was attended by 200 people at the Marin County Office of Education. The meeting took place in response to a Terra Linda High School student and a Miller Creek Middle School student recently ending their lives within 10 days of each other. The Marin Education office has put up a web site with resources related to teen mental health and suicide prevention. The site includes frequently asked questions, action steps for students, and the 24-hour suicide prevention phone number.
Another Marin-related suicide occurred on October 5 when area-born Aiyisha Hassan, a 20-year old college student who was struggling with her sexual identity, killed herself. Recognizing the special stresses of LGBT students, the Marin County Office of Education site links to the It Gets Better project, which has received a lot of media attention lately. Started by columnist Dan Savage and his partner, the site aggregates video messages of support aimed at LGBT youth.
- Marin County Office of Education: Suicide prevention and coping resources
- Middle Creek High School: Message from the principal regarding recent suicide
- Terra Linda High School: Message from the principal regarding recent suicide
- It Gets Better - video messages of support for LGBT youth
UPDATE:
Reported yesterday by PC Magazine: Facebook, GLAAD Partner to Prevent Anti-Gay Bullying