September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. While suicide prevention is important to address year-round, this month provides a dedicated time to come together around a difficult topic, reach out to those affected by suicide, and raise awareness of how to connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. At Ukiah Unified Schools, we are committed to supporting our students and families both academically and emotionally. We recognize that all of our students and families are experiencing unique stresses and challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and we want to do everything we can to provide support to keep our community healthy and safe.
What you can do: 1. Know the risk factors that can lead to suicide. These risk factors include mood changes, poor relationships, depression, substance use, a history of trauma, major physical illness, or an experience of loss. 2. Recognize warning signs. Take note of sudden changes in behavior. Engage your child in conversations about how they are doing if something seems off. 3. Reach out for help. Knowing, supporting, and loving a young person who is struggling with their mental health can be stressful, but resources are available through your child’s school and in our community.
According to the CDC, suicide rates have increased by 30% since 1999. With the current Covid-19 pandemic limiting important in-person contact, it is essential for us to protect our mental health and support each other as we all learn to cope with uncertainty. It’s more important than ever that we are there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide. If you have a child at home, work with kids, or care for another young person in your family, it’s essential to check in on them and their mental health. While it’s quite normal for young people to become moody at times and struggle with self-image and peer relationships, you should seek professional help if your child shows signs of mental health issues or depression.
If your child is having difficulties, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. Call your child’s school or email their counselor for support. Save these important contacts below for later use.
UUSD School and Counselor Contact Information:
Calpella Elementary 707-472-5630 - Stephanie Gravatt [email protected]
Eagle Peak Middle School 707-472-5250 - Evelyn Ramirez [email protected]
Frank Zeek Elementary 707-472-5100 - Stephanie Razo [email protected]
Grace Hudson Elementary 707-472-5460 - Vicente Duarte [email protected]
Nokomis Elementary 707-472-5550 - Keenan Tyner [email protected]
Oak Manor Elementary 707-472-5180 - Jannette Ayala [email protected]
Pomolita Middle School 707-472-5350 - Heath McNerney [email protected]
South Valley High School 707-472-5150
Jacob Bainbridge [email protected]
Adrienne Bakewell [email protected]
UISA 707-472-5906 - Alexa Moreno [email protected]
Ukiah High School 707-472-5750
Alicia Bainbridge [email protected]
Jacob Bainbridge [email protected]
Adrienne Bakewell [email protected]
Jen Julius [email protected]
Yokayo Elementary 707-472-5690 - Amy Wyse [email protected]
National and Local Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources
Mendocino County Crisis Hotline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week): 1-855-838-0404
Mendocino County Warm Line: 707-472-2311
Mendocino County Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-855-587-6373
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Línea directa nacional española de prevención del suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Manzanita Services: 707-463-0405
(Peer Support, Wellness, Care Management & Therapeutic Services)
Mendocino County Youth Project: 707-463-4915
(Prevention & Intervention Services, Counseling Services)
Redwood Community Services: 707-472-2922
(Multiple Services: Behavioral Health, Homeless, Crisis, Substance abuse)
Tapestry Family Services: 707-463-3300
(Therapeutic Services, Mental Health Treatment, Foster Care)