Social/Emotional Supports
Resources for suicide, depression awareness, prevention, and other mental health concerns:
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Partnership with Elyssa’s Mission®
Belvidere North High School has partnered with Elyssa’s Mission®, a community-based organization that provides resources to help prevent teen suicide. It was founded in 2006 in honor of Elyssa, a bright, gifted and outgoing Chicagoland girl who bravely battled post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Elyssa’s Mission® provides hands-on support to area public and private schools in order to educate students, staff and parents on how to recognize and assist those teens most at-risk. They have helped educate over 300,000 students since inception.
Elyssa’s Mission® funds and implements the evidence-based SOS Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program in over 160 middle and high schools in Illinois through our partnership with Screening for Mental Health®, a Massachusetts-based organization that pioneered the concept of large-scale mental health screening and education programs. They assist with all components of the SOS program including planning, teaching and training for staff and parents.
Belvidere North High school supports suicide and depression awareness and prevention. In compliance with Ann Marie’s Law (P.A. 99-443) district staff receive yearly training on recognizing the signs of depression and suicide risk. Our high school students participate in yearly programming to educate them about suicide prevention. Building counselors are also available to provide support to students and families with mental health concerns.