Suicide Response

Important information:

Parent right to privacy and Suicide as a public health problem: 

• • We cannot refer to a death as a suicide until law enforcement confirm the event and parent gives permission to share this information.  

  • If the parent is unwilling to let us reveal that the death was a suicide, then we must use the term "sudden death" or "died suddenly."

  • For more information about 4J's Suicide Prevention Plan and Procedures, please visit: 4j.lane.edu/suicidepreventionplan 

Using appropriate language: 

• • When talking about death by suicide, be careful to use appropriate phrases, such as "the student died by suicide" or "the student was lost to suicide."  This confers the appropriate emphasis on suicide as a matter of mental health and public health.

  • Avoid using phrases like successful suicide, committed suicide, completed suicide, or chose to kill themselves.  These phrases can confer judgment, shame, or accomplishment.

  • Do not share information about the means of suicide or the circumstances surrounding the death.

  • Avoid consoling loss survivors by stating that the student is now "out of pain" or "in a better place."  This portrays suicide as a viable option for other individuals who are in pain.

Preventing contagion: 

• • • Be alert for the Signs of Suicide Risk in other students, especially those known to be close to the student who died and/or who are experiencing their own trauma or mental health concerns.

    • Continue to provide access to school-based mental health supports, as well as prominently sharing information about community supports, hotlines, and websites.

Additional resources:  

Eugene School District 4J Screening Tools and Safety Plans

Safe Messaging about Suicide

Suicide Loss Survivor information and support  

Responding to a Loss Survivor