Peace Garden News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong has declared September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in North Dakota. In response, Parents Lead, in partnership with North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) suicide prevention and school behavioral health experts, has introduced a new Suicide Prevention and Response Toolkit for Schools. The toolkit is intended to help educators, staff, and administrators identify students who may be at risk, respond appropriately, and provide additional support to families.

According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 10.8% of middle school students and 7.4% of high school students in North Dakota reported attempting suicide within the past year. Suicide continues to be the second-leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 19 in the state.

The toolkit aims to address these issues by offering evidence-based strategies for prevention, tools for recognizing warning signs, and guidance on connecting students and families with available resources.

“Schools are on the front lines of supporting youth mental health,” said Sara Kapp, HHS behavioral health program administrator. “The guidance and care educators provide create safe spaces where students feel seen, heard and valued. This toolkit provides school staff with the tools to build supportive environments where every student feels connected. Prevention starts with connection.”

Key components of the Parents Lead Suicide Prevention and Response Toolkit include easy-to-use materials such as posters and conversation guides; crisis response tools like model policies and safety plan templates; awareness materials for families about resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; and training opportunities for staff.

“While the new toolkit equips schools with resources year-round, 988 offers immediate, 24/7 support for anyone in crisis—because no one should ever feel alone when they’re struggling,” said Melissa Markegard, HHS suicide prevention administrator.

By implementing this toolkit alongside promoting access to services like the 988 lifeline—which provides confidential support at all hours—schools can strengthen their efforts to create supportive environments for students facing mental health challenges.

“With practical strategies linked to key risk factors, this toolkit provides schools and families with the tools they need for prevention and support,” said Principal Russ Riehl of Simle Middle School in Bismarck. “It is a critical step toward creating safe, supportive, and thriving school communities. Together we can help our young people through some of the vast challenges facing today's youth.”

Parents Lead is an evidence-based program designed to give parents resources that foster behavioral health among children. The new toolkit is now accessible at parentslead.org.