The Orchard Park Central School District is providing parents with suicide prevention information. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says the district wants to make sure parents understand their child's mental and emotional health.
"Being silent about a problem that we know exists is not going to help us solve that problem," said Dr. Lisa Krueger, assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Public Services in the Orchard Park District.
Krueger has been working with other school counselors, psychologists and social workers to create a series of events targeted at parents and the community.
Earlier this week they held the first of two informational series called "More Than Sad”, suicide prevention information for Parents. It was presented WNY Branch of the American Foundation for Suicide. More than 200-people attended.
“The takeaway for parents is, if it’s a chance in your child’s behavior, dig a little bit deeper, ask questions and, if necessary, reach out for support,” Krueger explained.
The same program will be delivered on the evening of January 31st, 6:30 p.m., in the Orchard Park Middle School auditorium in hopes of reaching even more parents. Krueger said unfortunately with suicide rates rising, they must have these conversations.
“Unfortunately our school community was touched by suicide. I think most communities are identifying with Orchard Park in that too they have been touched by suicide,” Krueger said.
The Orchard Park School District will continue holding discussions around mental health. Next month they will talk about anxiety disorders, showing the film Angst. In March the district will roll out film Screenagers, examining how tech devices and screen time is affecting children.
