The Governing Board of San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and the possibility of suicide and suicidal ideation requires vigilant attention from our school staff. As a result, we are responsible for providing an appropriate and timely response in preventing suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths. We also must work to create safe and nurturing campuses that minimize suicidal ideation in students.

Recognizing this duty, the district has developed a protocol, SDUHSD Suicide Prevention Policy & Procedure that all schools follow to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its students in the school setting, ensuring adequate supports for students, staff, and families affected by suicide attempts and loss. This policy is based on research and best practices in suicide prevention, and has been adopted with the understanding that suicide prevention activities increase help-seeking behavior, decrease suicide risks, identify those at risk of suicide, and decrease suicidal behaviors. Evidence refutes a common belief that talking about suicide can increase risk or “place the idea in someone’s mind.”

Overall Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention

To ensure the policies regarding suicide prevention are properly adopted, implemented, and updated, the Director of School and Student Services will serve as the suicide prevention point of contact for the District. In addition, each school shall identify at least one staff member to serve as the liaison to the Director responsible for coordinating and implementing suicide prevention activities on their specific campus. Board Policy 5141.52

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis outside of school hours, call 911 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Line.

If you or someone that you know needs further assistance, please access the below resources.

Support Resources

• General Resources 2-1-1 San Diego
• Jason Foundation
• National Suicide Prevention Line 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Optimum Health SD https://svcrplv.uhc.com/sdchat/
• Poison Control (800) 222-1222
• Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
• The Trevor Project 866-4-U-Trevor (488-73867)
• Yellow Ribbon SD http://www.yellowribbonsd.org/56-2/
• Youth Crisis Line 800-843-5200
• Youth Suicide Prevention Program www.yspp.org

Community-based Resource List