Depression Awareness and

Suicide Prevention program

This program is presented each year to grades 9-12 by school psychologists, school social workers and school counselors to help sensitize students to the signs and symptoms of depression and suicide. Heritage 9th graders received the program in the fall each year and 10th, 11th, and 12th graders receive the booster session program in the spring. Our goals are to help students recognize the symptoms of depression and warning signs of suicide, and empower them to take the appropriate steps to get help, including telling a trusted adult.

Students are being advised to tell a trusted adult if they observe signs of depression or suicide in themselves or their friends.

Suggestions for Parents:

Once a teen has disclosed (whether directly or indirectly) that someone may be showing signs of suicide - do not leave the teen alone.
Listen to what the teen has to say, observe his or her demeanor, and avoid making the teen feel guilty.
Offer words of encouragement but do not promise to keep secrets. Acting to prevent a potential suicide always overrides the teen’s desire for secrecy or concerns of betraying a friend. Safety and well-being is the upmost concern.
Advise the teen that you will contact additional supports for help. For 24 hour/day emergency mental health consultation contact Loudoun County Emergency Services at 703-777-0320. Emphasize to your teen that they will know what needs to be done to make sure that the teen will get the help they need to deal with these feelings.

SOS Training Trusted Adults Parent 2017 (002).pptx

The parent presentation (above) was offered in October 2018, but if you were unable to attend and would like more information, please contact the Heritage School Psychologist, Catherine Tannuzzo for more information. She can be reached via email at Catherine.tannuzzo@lcps.org. Thank you for your support!

Facts for Families.pdf

How Do I Access Help After Hours, On Weekends or During Summer?

There are resources available 24 hours, 7 days a week for youth experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts or other behavioral crises. In an emergency, call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) deputy or officer. For non-emergencies, Loudoun County Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Developmental Services can help at 703-777-0320 for youth experiencing an immediate and severe emotional crisis. The Crisis Intervention Team Assessment Center, located at 102 Heritage Way, Leesburg, Virginia, is open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, and mental health professionals are available for anyone in crisis. Non emergency appointments can be made at 703-771-5100.

All Loudoun County emergency rooms can assess for suicide risk and make recommendations for appropriate follow-up care:

StoneSprings Pediatric ER 24440 Stone Springs Blvd. Dulles, VA 20166, phone: 571-349-4000
Inova Virts Miller Family Emergency and Trauma Center Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, VA 20176, phone: 703-858-6040
lnova Children's Emergency Room at Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, VA 20176, phone: 703-858-6048
Wheeler Family Emergency Department, 224 Cornwall St., Leesburg, VA 20176, phone: 703-737-7520
Inova HealthPlex - Ashburn, 22505 Landmark Court, Ashburn, VA 20148, phone: 571-612-6400

Free, confidential 24/7 supports available:

- PRS CrisisLink: 703-527-4077 or text "CONNECTtt to 855-11
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357)
- Children's Regional Crisis Response (CR2): 844-NCrisis (627-4747) in English and Espanol
- Hopeline: Chat at http://www.hopeline.com or call 800-784-2433

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